Driver cooling package “unusable” in present type

Haas driver Esteban Ocon has solid doubt over the practicality of the FIA’s new cooling vests, designed to assist drivers deal with excessive situations in scorching races, claiming that “nobody can use” the system in its present type.

The cooling system was launched following the bodily challenges drivers confronted through the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix. Whereas it’s theoretically prepared to be used this season, its design has reportedly led to discomfort, making it troublesome to implement.

The system consists of cooling tubes built-in into the drivers’ overalls, however the principle concern seems to be the connection level the place the tubes enter the swimsuit, creating an uncomfortable strain space.

In response to Ocon, the system is at the moment “unusable.”

“In the intervening time, we won’t use the cooling vest,” he advised the media in Bahrain. “You’ve got the tubes throughout, that is high quality. You’ve got the tubes within the again, that is additionally high quality. However there’s a large tennis ball on the facet, in your hip.

“In the event you put it right here [on the chest], it is hurting with the belts. In the event you put it within the again, you’ll be able to’t match within the seat. In the event you put it on the facet, you’ll be able to’t match within the seat. So yeah, in the meanwhile, it does not work for us, or no less than what I’ve tried. And from what I heard from different drivers, it’s extremely comparable.

“It is good that the FIA have been in a position to present us an answer and provide you with one thing. However in the meanwhile, I can not use it, no less than. I am not speaking for the others, however myself and Ollie [Bearman], we won’t use it.

“The product itself, which is normal, isn’t usable. It is too massive. You understand how tight the seat is in System 1 in every single place. The place all of the tubes linked up, it is like a knot of tubes. And that is why it is too massive.”

For now, drivers have the selection of whether or not to make use of the system however from 2026 the FIA plans to make it obligatory. That provides the governing physique time to refine the system, although Ocon believes the choices for enchancment are restricted.

Requested if cockpit seats could possibly be modified to accommodate the system, he was uncertain: “Effectively, if you would like a seat with a large gap in it, no. A seat may be very troublesome to get proper. In the event you do a cut-out like that, you’ll lose in flexibility massively.

“So the one approach I see it enhancing is that if we handle to have much less of that knot, or if we provide you with an answer the place in some highway vehicles, for instance, there’s air-con by means of the seat, which we wouldn’t have to have on the way in which.”

Ocon additionally questioned the need of creating the system obligatory, suggesting that drivers have managed excessive situations nicely by means of health coaching.

“It isn’t very wanted but,” he stated. “For excessive situations, I agree, like Qatar, as an example, or typically Singapore. However Qatar final yr, I spent per week biking within the sauna earlier than attending to the race weekend – and once I arrived, I used to be in a jacket. It was so chilly, so I used to be a bit pissed off to organize so onerous for nothing!

Esteban Ocon, Haas F1 Crew

Picture by: Haas F1 Crew

“I do not know if there’s going to be extra dialogue. I reckon no one’s able in the meanwhile to make use of it. That is what I imagine. I could possibly be unsuitable, however I believe everyone’s struggling to slot in the automobile with these tubes.

“I believe, you already know, [we are] pleased to have the system on board and add the load, and if we do not wish to use it, we do not use it. However in the meanwhile we won’t use it, so… It isn’t like if I am simply being a diva and I do not wish to use it! It will be the alternative, truly. I might wish to use it, if that was the case. No, it is simply that it is not becoming.”

With a compulsory introduction set for 2026, the FIA might want to work intently with groups to refine the system and guarantee drivers can combine it into their cockpit designs.