Belgian GP: Rain delays the start of the race at Spa-Francorchamps

Belgian Grand Prix: Rain Delays Race Start

SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, Belgium – Heavy rain has caused a delay in the start of the Belgian Grand Prix, promising a race full of surprises. The rain started just as the cars were heading to the grid and intensified during the 30 minutes before the start. A formation lap was completed with the cars behind the Safety Car, but the drivers reported that visibility was too poor to continue. A red flag was quickly displayed as the cars returned to the pits, delaying the start of the race, scheduled for 3 p.m. local time, indefinitely. McLaren quickly informed championship leader Oscar Piastri that they expected heavy rain for at least 40 minutes, although weather radars suggest it will subside after that time.

The race in Belgium has been synonymous with heavy rain in the past, with a famous multiple accident on the first lap of the 1998 race. In 2021, the race ended after only two laps behind the Safety Car, which led to half points being awarded to each driver. After that incident, the rules were modified to prevent a similar incident. Any race now needs at least two race laps for points to be awarded. If less than 25% (11 laps at Spa) is completed, the top five receive points: 6-4-3-2-1. If between 25% and 50% of the race distance is completed, the top nine receive points: 13-10-8-6-5-4-3-2-1. If between 50% and 75% of the race distance is completed, the top ten receive points: 19-14-12-10-8-6-4-3-2-1. Full points are awarded for anything above 75 percent of the race distance.