Max Verstappen Criticizes Belgian GP Rain Delay: “If You Can’t See, Just Lift Off!”

Max Verstappen has expressed frustration with Formula 1’s race control over their decision to delay the Belgian Grand Prix’s start due to poor visibility from heavy rain. He felt that this decision unfairly affected Red Bull’s strategy to prepare for wet conditions.

Before the race began, a significant downpour hit the Spa-Francorchamps circuit. Race control halted the starting procedure after the formation lap, citing safety concerns. The race was pushed back by about 80 minutes, with marshals working to clear standing water. Ultimately, after four laps under the safety car, the drivers began the race on slick tires as the track conditions improved.

Verstappen felt that the decision to wait for nearly dry conditions hurt Red Bull, which had set up their cars for wet racing. This left him and teammate Yuki Tsunoda unable to make any effective overtakes due to their lack of straight-line speed. Verstappen spent a frustrating 39 laps unable to pass Charles Leclerc, eventually finishing fourth.

He criticized race control for what he sees as over-caution. “We made a choice with our setup, and then race control didn’t let us race in those conditions,” he said. Verstappen recalled the previous British GP, where a premature restart led to a crash due to visibility issues, suggesting that this time they went too far in the opposite direction.

As a driver known for his skills in wet conditions, Verstappen felt the track could have been race-ready sooner. He noted that some areas had standing water, but a few laps behind the safety car could have made the track safer.

On the flip side, some drivers supported race control’s cautious approach, especially given the tragic history of accidents at Spa. Carlos Sainz from Williams stated, “At Spa, it’s better to be safe than have an accident.” Pierre Gasly echoed this sentiment, highlighting that visibility on the track was significantly compromised.

In recent years, the safety debate in motorsport has intensified. A survey conducted by a leading motorsport organization revealed that over 70% of drivers prioritize safety measures over immediate race action, reflecting a shift in attitude towards caution in racing.

As Verstappen and other drivers navigate these challenges, the discussion around race control’s decisions remains a hot topic, prompting fans, teams, and drivers alike to weigh in, often through social media. For instance, many fans voiced their opinions on platforms like Twitter, sparking debates over the balance between safety and competitive racing.

This ongoing dialogue encapsulates the complexities of modern motorsport, where thrilling races must be weighed against the imperative of safety for those on and off the track.



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Red Bull Racing,Max Verstappen,Formula 1,Belgian GP,F1 Belgian Grand Prix 2025