Formula 1 was plunged into chaos at Spa-Francorchamps as the FIA was forced to cancel a race due to extreme weather conditions, adding yet another layer of unpredictability to an already turbulent Belgian Grand Prix weekend. The cancellation came just a day after Max Verstappen dominated the sprint race and McLaren’s Lando Norris sensationally claimed pole position for Sunday’s main event, outpacing teammate Oscar Piastri and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc with a blistering 1:40.562 lap.
Spa’s notorious climate lived up to its reputation as torrential rain swept across the circuit on Sunday morning, causing the abandonment of the Formula 3 feature race after a mere two laps behind the safety car. The FIA confirmed that no points would be awarded, issuing a formal statement citing “adverse weather conditions” as the reason for the stoppage. The decision rekindled memories of previous weather-related disruptions, notably the F1 Academy race earlier in the season at Miami, which met a similar fate.
While Formula 3 succumbed to the deluge, Formula 2 managed to squeeze in a shortened feature race, ultimately won by Alex Dunne. However, uncertainty still loomed large over the main event as meteorological conditions shifted yet again—cloudbursts giving way to brief glimpses of sunshine. Motorsport journalist Adam Cooper captured the mood on social media, noting, “The rain has eased and the sun is peeking through, but with hours to go before lights out, anything can happen at Spa.”
Adding to the drama, Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli, and Aston Martin veteran Fernando Alonso will all start the Grand Prix from the pit lane. This decision follows power unit changes that breached parc fermé regulations, compounding a miserable weekend for Hamilton after back-to-back Q1 eliminations. Sky Sports confirmed the penalties, highlighting that Hamilton had originally qualified P16, Antonelli P18, and Alonso P19 before their relegation.
As Formula 1 braces for an unpredictable showdown at one of its most perilous circuits, the looming question remains: will the elements permit a full-length Belgian Grand Prix, or will Spa’s infamy for chaos claim yet another victim? Whatever the outcome, the weekend has already etched itself into the annals of racing drama, with weather, regulation breaches, and high-profile setbacks creating a perfect storm of uncertainty.
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