Reigning world champion Max Verstappen has launched a scathing attack on race officials' handling of today's Belgian Grand Prix, branding their decision to halt the start procedure as "silly".
The Dutch driver expressed frustration after stewards red-flagged the formation lap at Spa-Francorchamps, forcing all cars back to the pit lane rather than allowing the race to begin as scheduled at 2pm.
Wet conditions prompted the suspension, with drivers exiting their vehicles whilst officials assessed the track surface.
Verstappen argued that continuing with additional formation laps would have helped disperse standing water on the circuit.
Reuters
|Max Verstappen was not happy with the FIA's decision
The three-time world champion didn't mince words over team radio, declaring: "Well, that's a bit silly. I mean, you should just run a few laps, Jesus. They're way too cautious, and now the heavy rain is coming, and then it's gonna be a three-hour delay."
His proposed solution involved completing several additional formation laps behind the safety car to help clear the track of excess water.
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The Red Bull driver warned that the FIA's conservative approach would backfire, predicting heavier rainfall would force an extended postponement of up to three hours.
Multiple drivers voiced safety concerns about the treacherous conditions during the formation lap.
Reuters
|Drivers were not happy with the immediate call to red flag the race
McLaren's pole-sitter Lando Norris communicated his worries to race engineer Will Joseph, stating: "Yeah, not ideal for the time being. I can't see a lot behind the safety car, so I can't imagine what it is like for everyone else."
The British driver highlighted severe visibility issues whilst following the safety car, expressing concern for those further back in the field who would face even worse spray.
These conditions at the Belgian circuit have precedent, with the 2021 race infamously reduced to just two safety car laps before being abandoned due to persistent rainfall.
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Weather forecasters anticipated conditions would deteriorate significantly in the coming minutes.
McLaren's Oscar Piastri received an update from race engineer Tom Stallard about the expected timeline: "In about 10 minutes, they expect rain to be heavy, as it was in the last batch. Then a 30-to-40-minute delay while we wait for that."
Reuters | The race has been delayed due to poor visibility Stallard added that racing director Randy Singh and FIA officials believed they would need to wait at least half an hour before any restart could be considered.
The 2021 Belgian Grand Prix serves as a stark reminder of Spa's vulnerability to extreme weather, when persistent rain limited the event to a single competitive lap with Verstappen declared victor.