Mercedes F1 Driver Faces ‘Failure’ with Controversial Cooling Vest During Texas Race

Mercedes F1 Driver Faces Challenge with Cooling Vest During Texas Race

Kimi Antonelli, a driver for Mercedes, recently opened up about the difficulties he faced during the 2025 United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas. Antonelli spoke out about his struggles with a cooling vest, a piece of technology that has sparked controversy within the Formula 1 community.

Antonelli’s troubles began during the sprint qualifying round ahead of the Grand Prix. The Italian driver, who is just 19 years old, turned to a liquid-cooled vest to combat the extreme temperatures at the event. The technology behind the cooling vest was developed in response to the challenging conditions faced during the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix, which was characterized by intense heat and humidity.

During the sprint qualifying round in Austin, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) deemed the event a heat hazard as the thermostat reached 91°F at the start of the session. Unfortunately for Antonelli, his cooling vest suffered a shock failure, causing it to malfunction and warm him up instead of cooling him down. This unexpected setback impacted his performance on the track.

Despite the challenges he faced with the cooling vest, Antonelli managed to finish 13th for Mercedes in the Grand Prix. However, an early collision with Carlos Sainz of Williams Racing saw him lose ground in the race. Notably, Antonelli set the fastest lap of the event for the third time this year, showcasing his talent and determination on the track.

The winner of the Grand Prix was Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing, who secured his seventh Grand Prix victory in the United States. Verstappen’s achievement included wins in Austin, Miami, and Las Vegas, highlighting his prowess as a top contender in Formula 1.

Cooling vests have been a point of contention among F1 drivers since their introduction earlier in the year. The regulation surrounding the use of these vests was first enforced at the Singapore Grand Prix in 2023, following the declaration of a heat hazard by the FIA. Drivers wearing the cooling vests are required to carry additional weight in their cars to accommodate the necessary hardware.

In addition to the external heat challenges posed by race venue temperatures, Formula 1 drivers also contend with extreme conditions inside their cars. Cockpit temperatures can soar to 140°F due to the proximity of the engine, while the heat generated by the brakes can reach up to a scorching 1,832°F during a race.

With the physical demands and environmental factors present in Formula 1 racing, drivers must navigate these challenges to deliver top performances on the track. Antonelli’s experience with the cooling vest sheds light on the complexities of competing in such a high-stakes and intense sporting environment.

The ongoing debates surrounding the use of cooling vests in Formula 1 underscore the importance of balancing safety and performance in the world of motorsport. As drivers continue to push the boundaries of speed and skill, innovations like cooling vests play a significant role in enhancing their comfort and efficiency during races.