Max Verstappen has dismissed George Russell’s recent complaints regarding the extreme heat at the Sepang International Circuit, host of the 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix. Verstappen stated that drivers should not ‘make a fuss’ about the conditions.
The FIA declared a ‘heat hazard’ for the event in Malaysia, with air temperatures exceeding 31°C and cockpit temperatures potentially reaching 60°C.
Russell expressed significant concern over the physical demands, describing the experience of driving in Sepang as ‘like sitting in an oven’.
Mercedes opted against developing a robust cooling vest system for its drivers, including Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli.
This decision was a direct consequence of the team prioritising major performance upgrades for their W17 car within the $215 million budget cap.
Russell advocated for FIA intervention, suggesting that cooling system development should be exempt from the budget cap.
Verstappen, who secured pole position for the Bahrain Grand Prix, countered Russell’s stance.
‘You shouldn’t make a fuss. Yes, it is hot, but that’s part of it. You have to train for that,’ Verstappen told Dutch media.
The Red Bull driver also jokingly offered to take Russell to a sauna to improve his heat resilience.
Under the FIA’s heat hazard regulations, all cars must be fitted with components of a driver cooling system.
However, drivers retain the option not to wear the cooling vest itself.
Teams choosing not to utilise the cooling vest must carry an additional 5kg of ballast for the race to offset any potential weight advantage.
The heat hazard rules were implemented following the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix, where several drivers suffered from heat exhaustion.
Russell himself experienced dehydration during the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix, highlighting his personal history with extreme conditions.
Verstappen will start today’s Bahrain Grand Prix from pole position at Sepang.
