Remember the 'space jackets' we saw Mercedes use in F1 last year? Now they're helping keep players cool - along with an Via @LukeSmithF1 on X

What happened: The cooling jackets Mercedes developed for its Formula 1 operation are being used to keep soccer players cool at the World Cup during an ongoing heat wave. The setup pairs the jackets with an ice vest and an 'overshoe' designed to cool the feet. The technology, first seen in the F1 paddock, has crossed over into elite soccer.

Why it matters: Extreme heat has become a growing concern for summer tournaments, putting player safety and performance under scrutiny. Motorsport has long engineered cooling solutions for drivers who endure high cockpit temperatures, and that expertise is now transferring to other sports. The crossover shows how F1's heat-management work can serve athletes well beyond racing.

What to watch: Watch whether more teams and tournaments adopt cooling apparel as heat conditions persist, and how players respond to the equipment during matches.

Sources