Verstappen hits back at Russell over Sepang heat

Max Verstappen has dismissed concerns over extreme heat at Sepang, stating that drivers simply need to train for hot conditions instead of complaining. After securing pole position, Verstappen pushed back against George Russell's call for the FIA to allow cooling vest development outside the budget cap.

Verstappen revealed that he does not plan to use a cooling vest, explaining that he adapted his fitness regime with saunas and steam rooms to handle high temperatures. Meanwhile, 1996 world champion Damon Hill warned that the demanding humidity could trigger conditions similar to the brutal 2023 Qatar Grand Prix.