Mercedes driver George Russell has introduced a standout new piece of gear during the hottest races this Formula 1 season, wearing a cutting-edge cooling jacket developed by adidas. The metallic, futuristic-looking vest, designed for both Russell and his team-mate Andrea Kimi Antonelli, features integrated fans and coolant technology to keep the drivers cool on the starting grid under intense heat.
How the adidas Cooling Jacket Works and Russell’s Thoughts on It
The cooling system inside the jacket combines insulation with active fans, allowing Russell and Antonelli to avoid overheating while standing in full race suits before the start. Russell believes the jacket has also caught the attention of fellow competitors, who he suspects are envious of its functions and distinctive appearance. Speaking at adidas’ flagship store on London’s Oxford Street, he joked about the reactions from others on the grid.
They are making fun of us because they’re jealous, it’s as simple as that,
he said ahead of the British Grand Prix.
F1 is a unique sport. Right before racing we’re standing on the grid, we’ve got cameras in our face, people coming up for interviews, and it’s so hot sometimes when you’re in your race suit… you’re melting,
Russell explained.
We all wear ice vests, but you stand in the sun for five minutes and they’re melted. The space jacket’s got a fan in it, so it keeps me ice cool and feeling fresh.
Insights Into the Driver Cooldown Room and Relationships on the F1 Circuit
In addition to discussing the cooling jacket, Russell shared his perspective on the post-race cooldown room, a setting often featured on live broadcasts where drivers gather immediately after racing. He described a subtle exchange of information occurring there, where drivers carefully share and withhold details during conversations.
Everyone is always trying to get some information out of one another [in the cooldown room] so you’ve got to give a little bit to get a little bit in return,
Russell said.
Sometimes you drop in something that’s really false just to see if they bite.
Reflecting on the unique nature of Formula 1, Russell remarked on the unusual dynamic of the sport’s top drivers:
I don’t think there’s any other sport where the top 20 athletes in the world compete together 24 times a year and travel to the same places week-in, week-out.
He added that this creates opportunities for teammates and competitors alike to form stronger bonds, though he acknowledged not everyone becomes friends.
We’re all in the same boat. It doesn’t matter if you’ve won the race, came last or broken down, every driver can understand what that person is going through,
he said.
Off-Track Moments: George Russell and Carlos Sainz Connect Over Padel
Russell also gave insight into his off-track interactions, mentioning a recent experience playing padel with fellow driver Carlos Sainz from Williams. Russell found it noteworthy that Sainz had accepted his invitation to play for the first time and shared a humorous anecdote about the encounter.
It was the first time he actually accepted the invite, and I learned the reason he never accepted an invite was because he thought he was too good for us,
Russell said.
It turned out it was true, which was really annoying. He was mega good.
Significance of the Cooling Jacket and Driver Camaraderie in F1
The introduction of the George Russell adidas cooling jacket represents a valuable innovation in Formula 1, addressing the physical challenges drivers face during hot race weekends. By enhancing driver comfort and performance, such technology could set a new standard for race apparel. Meanwhile, Russell’s reflections on the relationships and competitiveness among drivers reveal the complex social environment within the sport, highlighting both rivalry and mutual understanding. As the season continues, the presence of advanced gear like the space jacket and the evolving dynamics between drivers like Russell and Sainz are likely to shape both on- and off-track stories.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What happened between George Russell and Max Verstappen?
A. Near the end of the Barcelona race, Verstappen furiously collided with the side of Russell’s car. This incident nearly earned him a one-race suspension.