Alonso to don cooling vest during 'heat hazard' Grand Prix

      "I believe I intend to use it on Sunday."

      This weekend's Singapore GP has been labeled as Formula 1's first official 'heat hazard' race, with the FIA taking steps to enhance driver safety under extreme conditions. This decision comes in the wake of the notorious Singapore race two years ago, where several drivers collapsed or became nauseous in their cockpits due to extreme heat and humidity. The new designation allows the FIA to implement innovative cooling solutions, including a liquid-filled vest system that drivers can wear beneath their fireproof suits.

      Currently, the use of the vests is optional, but teams are required to run additional weight in each car to balance out those who opt to use them. Fernando Alonso confirmed he will use the system for the first time on Sunday. "I’ve utilized it in a couple of practice sessions, primarily to prepare for this race and even for Qatar. I think I plan to use it on Sunday," he shared with reporters.

      He noted that the vest system makes the jersey somewhat bulkier, which affects comfort. "It's a trade-off—it’s less comfortable to drive, but it does provide some cooling. We'll see how it performs on Sunday." The Aston Martin driver stated he hasn't faced any reliability issues. "It should work fine for the entire race. At least during an hour of practice, it has operated consistently from the first minute to the sixtieth," Alonso clarified.

      Carlos Sainz, who tested the vest in Saudi Arabia, has had a more challenging experience with the vest but is prepared for a tough weekend in Singapore. "I think it might be 29 degrees, but the humidity inside and outside the car significantly elevates the sensation of heat," he remarked. "Humidity alone is manageable if it’s not too hot, but together, it changes everything."

      The Williams driver acknowledged that the cooling technology is still a work in progress. "If it fails or doesn’t function correctly, I’m not concerned. I’ll race as usual, but if it works, that’s even better since it means less discomfort. It feels like something that requires refinement and improvement to become fully effective."

      Meanwhile, Gabriel Bortoleto took a unique approach in his preparation. "I acclimated to the heat at home in Monte Carlo with 500 laps on the simulator," he chuckled. "Instead of the usual t-shirt, I wore two thick jackets at night to mimic the heat."