P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Lewis Hamilton has offered his opinion on the controversial F1 topic.
Lewis Hamilton expressed agreement with Max Verstappen’s stance that F1 drivers should not be compelled to use mandatory cooling vests in 2026. The FIA implemented a heat hazard warning ahead of the Singapore GP due to temperatures exceeding 31 degrees Celsius, necessitating the fitting of cooling vest systems in all cars, though drivers had the choice of utilizing them. For the 2026 season, the FIA intends to mandate the use of the system in extreme conditions, following its development since the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix where numerous drivers fell ill due to heatstroke. Hamilton criticized the idea of imposing the system on drivers, emphasizing the importance of it remaining a personal choice as opposed to a compulsory measure for safety reasons. Hamilton acknowledged the potential benefits of the system in extreme heat but stressed that its usage should be based on driver preference for comfort rather than obligation. Despite the history of heat-related incidents in motor racing, Hamilton reinforced that no driver has perished from overheating during a regular grand prix under normal circumstances.
