Verstappen criticizes delay at rain-soaked Belgian GP: ‘It ruined a classic wet race’

Max Verstappen Criticizes Delayed Start at Rain-Soaked Belgian GP

A soggy and contentious weekend at Spa-Francorchamps saw Max Verstappen voice his displeasure over the decision to delay the start of the Belgian Grand Prix due to heavy rain. The reigning champion called the move “disappointing” and criticized officials for being overly cautious, leaving fans and teams frustrated in the Ardennes region of Belgium.

The race, originally scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. local time, faced immediate complications as the heavens opened over the iconic circuit. Despite the rain easing just moments before the scheduled start, visibility issues caused by spray during the first formation lap became a focal point. Some drivers reported near-impossible conditions, with pole-sitter Lando Norris telling his team over the radio, "[It's] not ideal for the time being. I can't see a lot behind the safety car. So I can't imagine what it's like for everyone else."

With further rain anticipated, race control decided to delay the start, drawing groans from both the paddock and spectators. Drivers and cars returned to the circuit for a second formation lap at 4:20 p.m. local time. The event finally commenced under safety car conditions for four laps before transitioning to a rolling start on Lap 5. From there, McLaren rookie Oscar Piastri immediately stole the spotlight, overtaking Norris for the race lead.

Verstappen: "A Missed Opportunity for Wet Racing"

Verstappen, who started fourth and finished in the same position, was particularly critical of the decision to delay the start. Reflecting on the chaotic wet weather at Silverstone earlier in the month, Verstappen expressed frustration over what he saw as an overcorrection by race officials.

"We made a choice with the setup, and they only allowed us to drive in almost slick conditions, so yeah, it was a bit disappointing," he said post-race. "Of course, we spoke after Silverstone to be a little bit more cautious with the decisions, but this was at the other extreme for me."

The Dutch driver argued that the preparation for a wet race was rendered futile. "It just ruined a nice classic wet race as well. We either still try to push to go for a wet race, or we just say, you know what, we stop racing in the wet and wait for it to be dry, but it's not what you want."

Verstappen also highlighted the Red Bull car's weaknesses as contributing factors to his unremarkable weekend. "Once we got to the dry tires, we were just too slow on the straight. And then with the general balance problems that I already have with this car, it made everything just a bit worse." The Dutchman also admitted that, realistically, third place would have been his ceiling under the circumstances.

Russell: "Driving Blindfolded at 200 MPH"

George Russell of Mercedes added another perspective, emphasizing the perils of racing in poor visibility and the fine line between competitiveness and safety. "As a racer, you always want to get going," he said. "You love driving in the rain. But the fact is, when you're doing over 200 miles an hour out of Eau Rouge, you literally cannot see anything—you may as well have a blindfold on."

"It isn't racing, it's just stupidity."

Russell described the situation as unmanageable and downright dangerous, highlighting the continued concerns around racing in extreme wet conditions.

Debate Over Wet-Weather Racing Continues

The Belgian Grand Prix reignites an ongoing debate about how Formula 1 should approach wet-weather racing. While drivers lamented the missed opportunity for a classic wet-weather showdown, officials stood by their choice to prioritize safety. For fans, the rain-soaked race provided a stark reminder of the challenges that come with racing at one of the sport's most iconic and unpredictable venues.

As the season progresses, teams and the FIA will need to find a balance that satisfies the demands of safety, spectacle, and the racing DNA that Formula 1 prides itself on delivering. For Verstappen and Red Bull, the focus now turns to addressing their car’s shortcomings as the championship battle continues.

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