In the first part of an interview for f1ingenerale, Chillout Motorsport, represented by Charles Kline, explained the history of the brand. Among the various anecdotes and product details, the initial feedback from drivers who tested the new system was also revealed. Among them was Charles Leclerc, who expressed great satisfaction with the new cooling kit in his remarks.
The new kit will debut in the 2025 season and represents a significant step forward for driver health and safety. It will help drivers avoid experiences like those in Qatar 2023, where the combination of humidity and temperature posed significant challenges. With the introduction of the new 2026 F1 cars, further modifications are expected, including better integration of the kit with the vehicle.
Can you describe how this system works? Is it integrated with the car or connected to the driver’s suit?
Currently, the system is standalone, with its own battery. It’s somewhat heavy, weighing about 2.4 kg. It is mounted inside the car and operates independently, positioned behind the pedals in some cars and on the sides of the chassis in others. This setup is essentially a retrofit, an adaptation. We’ll see what happens in 2026, although it may be challenging. Since it is separate from the car, there are no controls apart from a button. At the moment, it’s simply an on/off system. Temperatures are pre-set and programmed for the driver’s comfort, tailored to each individual. By 2026, we hope to integrate it with the car, perhaps by increasing the size of the alternator to eliminate the battery and the associated weight.
We’ve seen that Charles Leclerc was among the first drivers to test it. What was his impression?
I believe we addressed all the issues he didn’t like, from seat configuration to belt positioning. We also adjusted the layout of the “tubes” slightly based on his feedback. We wanted to ensure there were no pressure points where tubes might overlap. We paid extra attention to details on elements that wouldn’t typically pose problems. But yes, the feedback I received from him, conveyed through some Ferrari personnel, was positive. They told me he would have liked to use the system in every race. He doesn’t think it’s necessary only for hot races but believes it should be used in every race. He particularly appreciated the added comfort and energy it provides.
Some drivers believe it could give a competitive edge to others who may be more heat-tolerant. I won’t name names, but it’s easy to guess who. That said, the majority of feedback on the system has been overwhelmingly positive—not just from us or the teams, but also from the drivers. However, I think they won’t end up using the system in every race. Currently, we don’t know if it will be classified as a safety device. But I believe that if we can prove that it reduces errors and helps drivers perform better, drive faster, and more safely, its value will become evident.
Source: f1ingenerale
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