Exclusive: F1 drivers cannot choose the option of wearing FIA-Anumined Cooling West, but are mandatory since 2026

The new wearable-technical shirt designed to keep the drivers calm in the race in the extreme summer will be optional for the contestants in the 2025 Formula 1 season, understanding autosport.

The equipment is being introduced as part of the FIA ​​response to the events of 2023 Qatar Grand Prix, where Logan Sergeant withdrew Williams With heatstroke, then Alpine Driver Estaban Okon Vomiting in your helmet and Eston Martin Racer Lance walk In short passed.

As reported earlier by autosportThe initial thinking car on this subject was to try to introduce an ERSATZ air-conditioning unit to cool the car cockpit.

But it was abandoned due to the complications arising in adopting such a kit, and so using the existing wearable-technology-like that Cypher Pro Micro Cooler Manufactured by Chilout Motisports (Painted above) – FIA was considered the favorite route.

One of the main challenges for this work was to ensure the cooling devices compiled with the strict rules of the governing body on fire resistance in the event of an accident.

The devices combine a shirt with a tubes of about 50 meters that pump the cool fluid stored in a dedicated box, which has a micro-processor and required to keep the relevant temperature below around the torso of a driver There is technology.

In a statement, the FIA ​​has stated that “after the work done between FIA and Formula 1 teams, the driver cooling system is supported by changes to define such systems” and therefore f 1 was approved by commission. London earlier this week.

Autosport understands that this involves define when the system will need to be used – because its use will only be made mandatory for teams, when the temperature reaches a certain extent, to fit it in its cars. For.

It is now set on a 31C environment temperature on the FIA ​​sensor placed around a specific F1 site (four weather stations are built in each race), rather than being measured on how the hot position in the car cockpit It is, which can quickly reach 50- 60 C.

For the 2026 F1 season, the cooling system will be powered by separate systematic electrical systems of new car designs and therefore will be taken all the time.

But for the upcoming campaign, as the system will be retro-fitted for cars when reaching only 31C mark, autosport understands that drivers are given the option not to use it.

The time added before becomes mandatory will allow the concept to complete further evidence of studies and the system will be potentially carried forward before 2026.

But if a driver chooses to not wear a cooling vest in 2025, then it is understood that they should still take an additional 500 grams in ballast within their cockpit to ensure that they choose to choose this approach. Do not achieve a competitive lead.

Last year last year in Hungarian GP, ​​when the topic was first revealed in view of the commitment of the FIA, to ensure that Qatar would not be repeated, Lewis Hamilton The declared “does not need it”.

“This is the formula 1,” he said. “It has always been like this. This is difficult in these situations. We are highly paid athletes. And you have got to train your ass to ensure that you can face heat, eventually.

“It’s difficult. It’s not easy, especially when you go to places like Qatar and Singapore. But I don’t think we need an AC unit in the car.”