Drivers had mixed opinions regarding the cooling vest following its debut in the heat of Singapore.

      "It functioned effectively for the initial 45 minutes."

      Formula 1 drivers have expressed varied opinions following the inaugural official 'heat hazard' event for the FIA’s new cockpit cooling vest in Singapore. The contentious device is currently optional, and those not using it must carry extra weight as compensation, although the FIA intends to require it starting in 2026, against the wishes of several prominent drivers, including Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton.

      Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc remarked that the vest provided minimal long-term advantages. "It worked well for five laps," he acknowledged. "After that, it became somewhat warm, so it didn’t make a difference."

      Sauber rookie Gabriel Bortoleto had a comparable experience: "I activated it for the first 10 to 15 laps, but afterward, the vest gets quite hot. It’s better to turn it off," he commented. "At least you were cooled for 15 laps." Concerning the race itself, the Brazilian noted: "It was physically demanding, but honestly, I anticipated more. I'm not sure if the cooling vest contributed to it."

      For Haas newcomer Oliver Bearman, the system had a slightly longer duration. "I think it worked well for the first 45 minutes," he stated.

      Williams driver Carlos Sainz, who also acts as a director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, expressed that he believes the vest offers genuine physiological benefits, yet still advocates for personal choice. "For me, it’s straightforward - I’m convinced it works and helps, even though I’ve completed ten races in Singapore without experiencing physical issues and finished without any problems," Sainz commented. "Once you begin to grasp the physiology, you realize it offers a performance advantage. However, if it’s not a significant safety concern, it should be the drivers' choice."