Drivers divided as FIA faces heat for Spa rain decision

Formula 1’s increasingly cautious attitude toward racing in the wet came under fire on Sunday, after a delayed and processional start to the Belgian Grand Prix triggered widespread criticism from within the paddock and media.

Heavy rain at Spa prompted the FIA to postpone the race start by over an hour, eventually beginning with multiple laps behind the safety car, a decision that undermined wet weather setups and frustrated drivers and teams.

“That’s how you ruin a beautiful, classic race in the rain,” said Max Verstappen. “You’d be better off saying, ‘You know what, we’ll wait until it’s completely dry and then we’ll just start on slicks.’ That’s not what a wet race is about.”

The reigning world champion added: “They just do what they want. They decide. I think it’s a shame for everyone. You’ll never really see those classic rain races again.”

Red Bull advisor Dr Helmut Marko was also scathing: “We have to rethink the entire procedure. With two or three laps behind the safety car, we would have cleared the water from the track and been able to start an hour earlier.

“It meant our whole strategy with rain settings was no longer valid. Without any problems, it would have been a safe race.”

Lewis Hamilton echoed Verstappen’s frustration. “I kept saying we were ready to go. I think they just overreacted, because last time (at Silverstone) we told them not to start right away. This weekend it was the other way around.

“I would definitely say I agree,” Hamilton added when asked about Verstappen’s remarks. “We could also have just done a standing start, the line was almost dry, and there wasn’t much spray further on.”

Former F1 driver Heikki Kovalainen, now a Viaplay pundit, pulled no punches: “We should be able to drive in this weather. This is a dangerous sport and you should be able to accept that. If you don’t, then you’re in the wrong sport.”

Nico Hulkenberg called the long delay a “mood killer,” while Spain’s Marca called the situation “the biggest nonsense in Formula 1.”

Denmark’s Ekstra Bladet described the delay as “grotesque hesitation.” Others defended the FIA’s call, citing Spa’s tragic history.

“On a track like this with what happened historically, I think you cannot forget about it,” said Charles Leclerc. “I’d rather be safe than too early.”

Carlos Sainz Snr, co-director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, agreed: “Given the bad history here, it’s better to be overly safe than to err on the side of excess risk.”

Oscar Piastri, who won the race, also understood the caution: “Even with just Lando ahead of me, I couldn’t see a thing. You can only imagine what it’s like for the guys at the back.”

Still, criticism of FIA race director Rui Marques mounted, with Soy Motor’s Jesus Munoz writing: “Formula 1 has been stolen from us. And the worst part is that it’s sure to get worse.”