Tension escalated at the Belgian Grand Prix as reigning world champion Max Verstappen voiced his frustration over prolonged weather-related delays, bluntly telling race control to “chill out” and get the race underway. The Red Bull star, visibly exasperated during the team radio broadcast, expressed what many fans were thinking after heavy rain forced the FIA to repeatedly postpone proceedings at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit.
Verstappen’s remarks came after an extended red-flag period caused by persistent downpours and low visibility across the iconic Ardennes track. Race control maintained that safety remained the top priority, citing aquaplaning risks and insufficient visibility for the pack to race competitively. However, the Dutchman appeared unconvinced, arguing that conditions were manageable enough to begin behind the safety car. “It’s wet, yes, but this is Spa! We’ve raced in worse. Chill out and let’s go,” Verstappen quipped over the radio, his tone laced with impatience.
The two-time Belgian Grand Prix winner emphasized that modern Formula 1 machinery is designed to cope with extreme conditions when fitted with full wet-weather tires. “We all know the risks. This is what racing is about,” Verstappen insisted in a subsequent TV interview. His comments quickly spread across social media, with fans split between admiration for his racer’s spirit and concern over potential safety compromises given Spa’s history of high-speed accidents in wet conditions.
Meanwhile, teams faced mounting logistical challenges as the delay stretched beyond an hour. Engineers were seen revising fuel calculations and tire allocations while strategists scrambled to prepare for a possible rolling start. McLaren’s Lando Norris and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc echoed Verstappen’s sentiments in a more measured tone, calling for “clarity” from the FIA as fans grew increasingly restless both trackside and online.
The FIA has yet to officially respond to Verstappen’s comments but reiterated in a statement that any decision to resume racing will be “dictated solely by safety considerations.” As radar projections indicated intermittent showers for the remainder of the afternoon, the pressure on race control intensified, setting the stage for what could be one of the most contentious Spa Grands Prix in recent memory. Whether the champion’s bold call sways officials remains to be seen—but one thing is certain: Max Verstappen has lit a fire under a very wet Belgian Grand Prix.
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