The FIA will continue discussions on cooling vests.

      The FIA has responded to criticism of the current rules on the use of cooling vests voiced during the Singapore weekend and is ready to discuss approaches to the use of these systems with drivers for 2026.

      Some drivers complain that these vests are uncomfortable and that the design itself is still far from perfect, but the federation does not intend to abandon these technologies.

      According to Nikolas Tombazis, the FIA’s director for single-seater racing, the use of such vests helps avoid more serious problems.

      “I understand what these concerns are about, I understand that drivers don’t like the sensations,” Tombazis admitted in an interview with The Race. “But we must protect our sport from a repeat of situations like the one in Qatar in 2023. Besides, no one can guarantee that the heat won’t rise by another three degrees.

      We wouldn’t want to end up in a position where it turns out these systems aren’t working properly, and then we would be forced to take measures, up to cancelling a race. And that would be the worst outcome.

      Two years ago in Qatar things were pretty bad, and there is no guarantee there won’t be rounds where a similar situation arises, or that it won’t be even worse. In the context of climate change, the last thing we want is to cancel races because of extreme heat.

      So I believe we should insist on improving these systems to get them working satisfactorily, so that drivers are ready to use them if necessary…

      We are open to discussing the idea of possible voluntary use of these systems next year and not making it mandatory, but we want to decide only after discussing additional medical research results with the GPDA, etc.

      We will make our decision based on verified facts, not on the outcome of a vote at a drivers’ briefing. That kind of forum is not the best way to make such decisions.”