Liam Lawson Disappointed by Mandatory Cooling Vest Proposal

Liam Lawson has voiced his strong disapproval of the FIA's proposed rule change to make cooling vests mandatory for Formula 1 drivers starting in 2026. Following the extreme heat conditions experienced at the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix, the FIA has been exploring various methods to mitigate heat stress, including the development and testing of cooling vests.

Why it matters:

F1 drivers, known for their rigorous physical training, are pushing back against a safety measure they believe is unnecessary and potentially counterproductive. This dispute highlights a fundamental difference in opinion between the governing body's approach to driver welfare and the drivers' own assessment of their physical capabilities and on-track comfort.

The Details:

• Origin of the Rule Change: The initiative to introduce cooling vests stems from the severe conditions at the 2023 Qatar GP, which led to a heat hazard declaration.
• Testing and Implementation: Cooling vests were first tested at the 2025 Singapore GP after another heat hazard was declared, and subsequently in the United States when air temperatures exceeded 31 degrees Celsius.
• Driver Opposition: Many drivers, including Mercedes junior Kimi Antonelli, have expressed opposition, with Antonelli's vest reportedly failing during practice in Austin.
• Lawson's Stance: Liam Lawson, in particular, finds the prospect of mandatory vests "pretty disappointing," arguing that they do not offer the same critical safety benefits as devices like the Halo or HANS.
• Training and Necessity: Lawson emphasizes that drivers undergo intense training specifically to handle the physical demands of F1 racing, and most do not feel a personal need for the vests.
• Potential for Malfunction: He also points out that the vest introduces another variable that could malfunction, adding an unnecessary layer of complexity for something he doesn't consider essential.

What's next:

The debate over mandatory cooling vests is likely to continue as the 2026 regulations draw closer. The FIA will need to weigh driver comfort and preference against its perceived safety improvements. While the FIA aims to protect drivers from extreme heat, drivers like Lawson argue for personal choice based on their extensive training and understanding of their own physical limits, asserting that an additional, potentially faulty, piece of equipment could be more of a hindrance than a help.