Max Verstappen responded to George Russell’s complaints about the extreme heat at Sepang with a playful suggestion that the Mercedes driver should join him for a few sauna sessions. The Red Bull driver, who had just claimed pole position in Malaysia, argued that coping with difficult temperatures is part of the physical challenge of Formula 1.
The exchange came after a qualifying session that produced very different outcomes for the two drivers. Max Verstappen finally secured his first pole position of the 2026 season after a lengthy wait, while George Russell endured a disappointing afternoon and will start Sunday’s race from only seventh on the grid.
George Russell explains Mercedes cooling vest problem
Speaking to reporters after qualifying, George Russell complained about the intense heat confronting the drivers at Sepang. In particular, the British driver said he had struggled with not being able to use the cooling vest available for extreme conditions.
Russell said Mercedes had allocated its remaining budget-cap resources towards developing the W17 and therefore could not devote the same attention to secondary projects such as improving the cooling vest.
The issue had already emerged before qualifying, with Mercedes opting not to use cooling vests at Sepang after prioritising W17 development.
Max Verstappen responds to Russell with sauna joke
Max Verstappen was asked about the issue after Russell also suggested that all drivers should use the cooling vest. The four-time world champion took the opportunity to tease his rival.
“I don’t use it during the race,” Max Verstappen said, referring to the vest. “It’s hot, but it’s part of the game. You have to train for it. It’s uncomfortable; yes, of course. But in every sport you still have to push yourself to the limit, right? You can’t just cruise around.”
Verstappen then explained how his own approach to coping with heat has developed since he entered Formula 1.
“When I was 18, sometimes I struggled a little more with the heat,” Max Verstappen recalled. “But in the end, in these situations, you just have to train more in the heat: spend more time in the sauna so you feel a little more comfortable enduring it for longer.”
“That way you can manage the sweating and your head overheating. All those kinds of things. And Russell complaining? Maybe I should take him to the sauna a couple of times!”
Verstappen arrives at race day from pole as Russell starts seventh
The light-hearted exchange followed a Saturday in which Max Verstappen enjoyed a much stronger result on track. The Red Bull driver dominated Sepang qualifying and claimed his first pole position of 2026, while George Russell was unable to match the front-running pace and ended the session seventh.
The extreme Malaysian conditions will remain an important factor over the full Grand Prix distance, but Verstappen’s position is clear: although the heat is uncomfortable, he sees physical preparation and acclimatisation as part of the demands drivers are expected to manage.
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