Haas rookie Oliver Bearman has labelled Formula 1's new cooling vest regulations as "a bit unfair," citing disparities in their use due to weight constraints.
To safeguard drivers in extreme heat, F1 has introduced a cooling system featuring a water-cooled racing top.
Italian brand Sparco's 'Cooling Top RB86' is debuting in Miami for five teams, including championship leaders McLaren, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.
While earlier prototypes were deemed uncomfortable by some drivers, the latest criticism focuses on the added weight, which only lighter drivers can accommodate without breaching car weight limits.
The vests become mandatory only when temperatures exceed 31 degrees Celsius and the race director declares a heat hazard.
Bearman, speaking in Miami, shared his experience, stating, "I tested it in Jeddah, and was very happy with it. Unfortunately, we can't use it because we're too close to the weight limit."
He argued for adjustments to the rules, saying, "The temperature limit is set quite high. If it's not officially declared that the race is a heat race, only half the drivers can benefit from them. I think that's a bit unfair."
Ferrari's Charles Leclerc acknowledged the vests' benefits, noting, "I tried it once, and it was really helpful. You really cool down which makes a real difference."
However, he confirmed that Ferrari is among the teams opting not to use the vests unless mandated, while also citing reliability concerns.
"If the system stops working properly mid-race, the fluid gets warm," Leclerc said. "I'm not sure I'd even use it if I could."
