Lewis Hamilton Says No Thanks To Proposed F1 Cockpit Air Conditioning Units

Formula 1 looks to test cool air system for cockpits at Dutch Grand Prix in August.

Seven-time Formula 1 champ Lewis Hamilton is no fan of the plan to install a kind of air conditioning system in Formula 1 cars.”The fastest air conditioner in the world,” reports the Italian newspaper La Repubblica.The report suggests the idea is to safeguard drivers from the kind of extreme heat exposure that led to multiple drivers suffering health effects in the Qatar Grand Prix last year. A test of the system, apparently involving small conduits around the cockpit channeling cool air to the driver, will reportedly take place at the Dutch Grand Prix on August 23-25 weekend after the summer break.

The FIA has now confirmed the reports, with an official explaining: “If these tests prove successful, the FIA will mandate the installation of such an active cooling system in the future when a heat hazard is declared.”

When asked about the proposal in Hungary, where temperatures also soared during the race weekend, seven time world champion Hamilton answered: “Firstly, I didn’t know that. And it’s not needed. This is Formula 1. It’s always been like this. It’s tough in these conditions. And we’re highly-paid athletes.”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 you go to places like Qatar and Singapore.”But I don’t think we need an AC unit in the car.”