Lewis Hamilton has shunned the prospect of adding air conditioning to Formula 1 cars, in the wake of reports that the FIA is preparing trial runs of a cockpit cooling solution for drivers later this year.
Ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix, it was reported that the FIA is planning to trial “a simplified air conditioning system” following the intense 2023 Qatar Grand Prix.
The race saw Logan Sargeant forced to withdraw from the race on Lap 40 because of the extreme heat, with other drivers reporting vomiting and blackouts in cockpit temperatures pushing 50 degrees Celsius.
Hamilton spoke to the media following his podium at the Hungarian Grand Prix on Sunday and was asked about the upcoming trial.
“Well, firstly, I didn’t know that and it’s not needed,” he said. “This is Formula One, it’s always been like this.
“It’s tough in these conditions and we’re highly paid athletes and you’ve got to train your ass off to make sure you can withstand the heat, ultimately, and it’s tough.
“It’s not easy, especially when we go to places like Qatar and Singapore, but I don’t think we need an AC unit in the car.”
According to Autosport, the FIA’s investigation and subsequent promise to avoid a repeat of the scenario has culminated in plans to test a new experimental air conditioning unit, starting at the Dutch GP in August.
The report indicates the FIA is set to fit one car with “an FIA-research method of direct in-cockpit air cooling.” Rather than one single unit, the system features multiple smaller structures both in the cockpit and fitted to nearby bodywork which will channel cool air towards the driver.
The FIA reportedly has more tests planned after Zandvoort and could adopt the system as mandatory if it works. Notably, the system would only be fitted to cars when deemed appropriate, rather than all year round.
In a statement, the FIA said “In response to the extreme temperatures experienced at last year’s Qatar GP, the FIA and all F1 teams immediately initiated research to improve the venting and cooling of drivers in such conditions.
“Since then, the technical regulations have been updated to allow the introduction of a passive scoop on top of the cockpit for enhanced ventilation, which teams are strongly encouraged to use.
“These joint research activities have advanced and focused on the development of an active cooling system which would be installed in F1 cars when facing extreme conditions.
“Initial tests and in-situ proof of concept are planned to take place in Zandvoort and upcoming races.”
F1 would not be the first sport to leverage enhanced driver cooling. IndyCar currently operates a Cool Suit system that takes air from the front of the car, which is then cooled and circulated through a vest worn by drivers.
With the FIA’s initial test due after the summer break, it remains to be seen whether any other drivers will object to the proposal.
