Mercedes Drivers Opted Against Cooling Vests in Malaysia
George Russell and Kimi Antonelli will skip cooling vests at the Malaysia Grand Prix to prioritize vehicle performance.
Updated on Oct. 3, 2026 in Motorsports
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Mercedes drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli will not use cooling vests during the upcoming Malaysia Grand Prix. The team decided to forgo the safety equipment to avoid carrying 5kg of mandatory ballast.
Why it matters
Mercedes prioritized vehicle performance and budget management over the development of a robust cooling vest system. This decision comes despite the FIA labeling the race at Sepang International Circuit a heat hazard with forecasts exceeding 31C.
Mercedes has secured 11 of 15 race wins this season, with Kimi Antonelli claiming eight victories and George Russell earning three. Drivers choosing to skip cooling vests must carry an additional 5kg of ballast in their cars.
The players
George Russell
The 28-year-old Mercedes driver has achieved three Grand Prix victories this season.
Kimi Antonelli
He is a lead Mercedes driver who has won eight Grand Prix races during the 2026 season.
FIA
The governing body for international motorsport that manages safety regulations and budget caps.
The details
Drivers are forced to choose between wearing a cooling vest or carrying 5kg of extra weight, with Mercedes opting for the latter to protect competitive performance. In 2024, George Russell lost 4kg during the Singapore Grand Prix and subsequently experienced hyperventilation.
Timeline
The 2026 season has seen Mercedes win 11 of 15 Grand Prix races.
George Russell suffered from hyperventilation following the Singapore Grand Prix in 2024.
The Malaysia Grand Prix takes place at the Sepang International Circuit this weekend.
Season Trajectory
This decision reflects the extreme lengths teams go to under the Formula 1 budget cap to shave off weight and maximize speed. By prioritizing performance over optional cooling hardware, Mercedes is placing its lead drivers at physical risk to maintain its current dominance in the standings.
Mercedes drivers will be racing at a 5kg weight disadvantage compared to competitors utilizing cooling vests. This strategic choice potentially increases the physical toll on drivers in the high-heat environment of Sepang.
The takeaway
Teams remain under immense pressure to balance driver safety against strict vehicle weight limits and financial regulations. Readers should note that professional motorsport remains a high-stakes environment where marginal performance gains often override ergonomic or safety improvements.
Further reading
For more on the current 2026 season, visit our Motorsports section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by GiveMeSport.
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