The Belgian Grand Prix endured a protracted delay following a deluge that swept through the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, compelling officials to postpone proceedings. This disruption came a day after McLaren’s Lando Norris claimed an impressive pole position ahead of teammate Oscar Piastri and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.
Race day, however, was marred by torrential rain, forcing the FIA to take drastic measures after already canceling the Formula 3 event earlier in the day. Following a tentative formation lap, the Grand Prix was immediately red-flagged, initiating an interval that extended beyond 40 minutes. Frustration quickly spread among competitors and spectators alike.
Max Verstappen voiced his discontent over team radio, branding the cautionary stance as “silly” and advocating for the race to proceed. “We should just run, like chillax,” he remarked, warning of heavier rain on the horizon and predicting a potential three-hour hiatus. Fans shared his sentiment as the safety car persisted on track for more than four laps before conditions were deemed manageable.
Jeremy Clarkson, renowned for his acerbic wit and motorsport enthusiasm, expressed his ire via social media. The former Top Gear host posted a terse 12-word critique: “Dear God in heaven. What is the race director at Spa doing?” His remark quickly went viral, encapsulating the exasperation of many who deemed the FIA’s approach overly cautious.
When the race resumed at approximately 3:20 pm, drama unfolded immediately. Norris, despite starting on pole, relinquished the lead to Piastri after a sluggish getaway from La Source. Former F1 driver Martin Brundle attributed the mishap to Norris’s premature defensive maneuver, which left him vulnerable and compromised traction out of the opening corner.
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