© Steve Etherington for Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd.
During the Spanish Grand Prix Valtteri Bottas complained to his team over the radio, saying “these black overalls are f**king hot”.
In 2020 Mercedes went from a predominantly silver livery and white overalls to a black livery and black overalls, to show their support in the fight against racism. During the Spanish Grand Prix Valtteri Bottas complained that the black overalls were “f**king hot”.
“It was really hot in the car,” explained Bottas after the race.
“This year, it’s been even hotter in the car. Obviously, we had to change the colour of the overalls. And it’s known that black colour takes more of the heat, especially when there’s direct sun.
“I don’t know any number or facts, how much actually black versus white is in terms of temperature difference, but this year, it’s been really hot in the car.
“And also there’s a new homologation this year for the overalls, so they are thicker, and the underwear is thicker, so I don’t know how much effect that has.
“It was just so hot so I said, ‘Guys, you know that these overalls are way too hot.’ And for sure, white would be cooler in terms of temperature and today for example I lost three kilos in the race, which is quite a lot.
“And that’s where it can start to affect performance. I know that from all drivers I’m one of the fittest if not the fittest, so I can take it, but it’s never comfortable and there’s always things that we can improve.”
Although there was some speculation at the beginning of the season that the black livery could lead to overheating, Mercedes said that was not the case.
