Spa: Rain delays the Belgian GP. Did F1 prioritize safety?

Delay in Spa: Rain and Safety Star in the Belgian Grand Prix

Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium – The Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix was marked by rain and decisions made regarding the safety of the drivers. The race, which was eagerly awaited, was significantly delayed due to adverse weather conditions, generating debate among the drivers and teams. The rain began to fall almost as soon as the drivers left the pit lane for the usual formation on the grid. The intensity was increasing, forcing a delay in the scheduled start of the race. Visibility was a serious problem, even behind the safety car, with the drivers reporting difficulties seeing the track.

“At three o’clock sharp… straight away,” said Max Verstappen, referring to the moment the race should have started.

Max Verstappen

The world champion, Max Verstappen, was one of the most critical of the delay. Others, however, like George Russell, highlighted the importance of safety, especially on a track like Spa, where high speeds and reduced visibility can be extremely dangerous. After a 90-minute delay, the race finally started with a rolling start. Conditions improved rapidly, allowing the drivers to switch to slick tires. The race, although safe, did not meet the expectations of excitement that usually accompany races in extreme rain conditions.

The race on Sunday was delayed 90 minutes due to the heavy rain. The decision to delay the race was made in part as a response to previous incidents, such as the one at Silverstone, where the FIA was criticized for resuming the race in dangerous conditions. The drivers discussed this issue in the pre-race meetings, emphasizing the importance of visibility. The Spa-Francorchamps circuit, known for its unpredictable weather and high-speed sections like Eau Rouge, presents unique challenges in rainy conditions. The combination of spray and blind spots increases the risk of accidents, leading the FIA to prioritize safety. Amidst the controversy over the delay, the memory of Anthoine Hubert, who died in an accident in Spa in 2019, was present. Hubert’s mother, as well as Pierre Gasly’s, were present at the event, recalling the importance of safety in motorsport. Finally, McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris achieved a one-two finish. Andrea Stella, McLaren team principal, praised the FIA’s decision, highlighting that prudence is key on a circuit like Spa. The race management demonstrated the importance of prioritizing safety in motorsport, even if this sometimes means sacrificing the excitement offered by racing in extreme conditions.