Stop, start, stop as rain plays havoc with Belgian Grand Prix – Off to a bad start

By Adam D Anglo On Aug 30, 2021

Stop, start, stop as rain plays havoc with Belgian Grand Prix – Off to a bad start | The Economic Times

30 Aug 2021, 02:47 PM IST

A drenched and dangerous circuit in Spa-Francorchamps delayed the beginning of the Belgian Grand Prix on Sunday. The race started 3 and a half hours after the scheduled time but was soon suspended after two laps.

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Because the race could not be completed, half points were awarded, with Max Verstappen picking up 12.5 points. After a safety car led the cars on a formation lap, a red flag was raised to signal the suspension. “It’s pretty awful. I can barely see the car in front at the minute,” McLaren’s Lando Norris said over the team radio.

AFP

Weather monitors were anxiously being watched by spectators and organisers. As the heavy rain continued, the race had to be delayed until further notice. Mercedes team chief Toto Wolff commented: “In my opinion if it (the weather) doesn’t change it’s too dangerous. As much as I love racing, this is maybe a step too far.”

AFP

The organisers have a task ahead of them to make sure the racing conditions are safe in the future for all drivers, especially after the death of F2 racer Anthoine Hubert in 2019. More than 75,000 fans were standing along the track, soaking wet from the rain but ready to support their local favourite Verstappen.

For Red Bull’s Sergio Pérez, a crash on his way to the race meant he was out of the Belgian GP, leaving his teammate Verstappen to start the race from pole position.

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