Spa: FIA delays GP due to rain, Verstappen criticizes decision

Delay in the Belgian Grand Prix: Right decision or excessive caution?

The rain took over the Spa-Francorchamps circuit, one of the most emblematic in motorsport, forcing the drivers to take shelter in the garages and wait for authorization to compete. Uncertainty reigned from the moment the cars left the pit lane, with the rain intensifying rapidly and the Belgian national anthem being sung under a downpour. The weather conditions, with a large accumulation of water on the track and the persistence of the rain, despite its lower intensity, led to the formation lap of the Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix being carried out behind the safety car. Visibility was a serious problem for the drivers, even at a reduced speed.

Lando Norris, poleman, informed McLaren that he could barely see anything, imagining the situation of the cars behind.

Lando Norris

Faced with this situation, the FIA opted to stop the race and delay the start, arguing for an improvement in weather conditions. However, this decision was not well received by everyone. Max Verstappen, the current world champion, expressed his disagreement with the decision.

Verstappen considered that the race should have started at three o’clock, arguing that the track was in acceptable conditions, with the exception of some specific areas.

Max Verstappen

The 90-minute delay between the scheduled time and the start of the first lap of the race generated frustration, especially considering that the conditions seemed suitable for competing. The history of the Spa circuit, with its epic races in rainy conditions, such as the one in 1998, fueled the expectation of a memorable event. However, the delay diluted the possibility of a similar spectacle. When the race finally began, conditions improved rapidly. Lewis Hamilton was one of the first to switch to slick tires, followed by the rest of the drivers. The race unfolded with little excitement, with Hamilton standing out in the early laps. Verstappen lamented the situation, arguing that the decision to delay the race had ruined the possibility of a classic race in rainy conditions. The FIA’s decision could be related to what happened at the British Grand Prix, where the safety car was withdrawn prematurely and an accident occurred. The drivers had discussed this issue in a pre-race meeting, suggesting greater caution in the event of rain. The Silverstone accident, where Isack Hadjar collided with Kimi Antonelli due to poor visibility, served as a reminder of the risks inherent in competing in adverse conditions.

George Russell, from Mercedes and head of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, defended the decision to delay the race, referring to the dangerousness of the Spa circuit sections, especially Eau Rouge, where reduced visibility at high speed could be fatal. The television broadcast recalled the tragedy of Anthoine Hubert, who died in an accident at Spa-Francorchamps in 2019, and the importance of safety in the sport. The incident of Dilano van’t Hoff in 2023, also in rainy conditions, underscored the risks. Finally, McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris achieved a double podium. Andrea Stella, McLaren’s team principal, praised the FIA’s management, highlighting the importance of caution on a circuit like Spa.