F1 drivers to wear ice vests in Singapore to combat scorching 60 DEGREE temperatures in their cars
Formula One’s multimillionaire drivers will wear protective ice vests in Singapore this weekend during the first Grand Prix declared a ‘heat hazard’.
The night-time event saps weight and energy from its competitors, with up to half a stone shed over 62 laps in exhausting tropical temperatures.
Drivers take on extra fluids, and have trained in sauna conditions, to combat a 60C-plus examination at one of the sport’s most humid venues, alongside Qatar and, previously, Malaysia.
Drivers have collapsed after both events.
In response, the FIA, the sport’s governing body, have now officially described Singapore a hazard under a redrawing of their rules.
Mercedes’ George Russell, director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, has tried out ice vests in previous races and will does so again in Sunday’s race.
‘Not everybody finds the top comfortable, but some find it easier to wear than others, and over time you can adjust it to your own preferences,’ said Russell.
‘But the concept is good, and when you’re racing in 90 per cent humidity and the cockpits are getting on for 60C, it is a bit of a sauna inside the car, so I think we all welcome it.’
Russell is also overcoming a virus that afflicted him in Baku, Azerbaijan, a fortnight ago, where the Briton finished third.
‘The last 25 laps will be tough, but I’ll be OK,’ added Russell.
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