Summary
- Russell and Kimi Antonelli will race without cooling vests at Sepang.
- Mercedes prioritised spending on car development within the cost cap.
- Russell wants the FIA to allow cooling-system development outside the budget limit.
George Russell says Mercedes’ spending priorities under the cost cap have left him without a cooling vest for the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, despite the intense heat at Sepang.
The British driver would like to use the equipment this weekend and at the following round in Singapore. However, developing and integrating the system would compete with spending on the car’s performance within Formula 1’s budget limit.
Speaking to the Daily Mail ahead of the race, Russell described the prospect of driving in the heat while wearing fireproof clothing and a helmet.
“It will be like sitting in an oven,” Russell said.
Both Russell and championship leader Kimi Antonelli will go without the cooling vests. Mercedes arrived at Sepang with a major upgrade package, having directed its available development resources towards improving the car.
Russell wants cooling development outside the cost cap
Russell’s concern extends beyond Malaysia. He wants the equipment available for Singapore too and believes the regulations should allow teams to develop it without sacrificing performance spending.
“The FIA should step in and allow us to develop it outside the budget cap,” he said.
His proposed change would remove that competition for resources. The issue is the budget treatment of developing the system, rather than a rule preventing Mercedes drivers from wearing cooling vests.
The conditions make the decision particularly relevant at Sepang. Friday brought air temperatures above 33°C and track temperatures around 60°C, alongside the humidity that adds to the physical demands of the weekend.
Those figures describe different measurements: the asphalt temperature is not the cockpit temperature. Nevertheless, the combination of heat, humidity and protective clothing leaves drivers facing a demanding afternoon race.
An afternoon start adds to the challenge
Sunday’s grand prix begins at 15:00 local time, placing the race in the afternoon heat. Singapore’s race takes place at night, although its humidity remains another challenge for the drivers.
Mercedes therefore faces two separate concerns heading into Sunday: improving its competitive position and managing the physical demands on Russell and Antonelli.
Formula 1 continues this weekend, from 2–4 October, in Malaysia, which hosts the Bahrain Grand Prix. GRANDE PRÊMIO will cover all the action at Sepang.
F1 today: FAQ
Who won the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia?
Max Verstappen won the Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang on Sunday, 4 October, taking his first victory of the 2026 F1 season. Kimi Antonelli finished second, with Lewis Hamilton completing the podium.
Why was the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia delayed?
Heavy rain initially delayed the start at Sepang. Several drivers then experienced power delivery problems during the formation procedure, forcing race control to suspend the start again. The race eventually began more than 90 minutes after its scheduled time.
How far ahead is Kimi Antonelli in the F1 championship?
Kimi Antonelli leads George Russell by 84 points after finishing second at Sepang while his Mercedes teammate retired. Antonelli has 320 points, Russell has 236 and Lewis Hamilton is third with 214.
