During the recent Belgian Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton openly criticized the race officials’ choice to delay the start, arguing that the race could have been much more exciting with a standing start despite wet conditions. Hamilton, a driver with experience in challenging weather, felt the delay was an overcautious move that prevented more competitive racing.
The British driver began the race in 18th position yet managed to climb to seventh by the end, showcasing his skill in navigating the difficult wet track. Nevertheless, Hamilton insisted he could have advanced further had the race commenced earlier under the wet conditions.
Hamilton’s Frustration with the Rolling Start and Delay
Reflecting on the race’s slow start, Hamilton shared his frustration with repeated laps behind the safety car.
“I kept shouting, ‘It’s ready to go, it’s ready to go!’ And they kept going round and round and round,”
he said, illustrating his impatience as the race waited for clearer conditions.
He pointed out that the officials’ caution appeared to stem from their experience at the previous British Grand Prix at Silverstone, where early restarts under poor visibility conditions had caused concern among drivers. Hamilton believes the response at Spa was an overreaction to that event, suggesting that the race should have started more promptly because the visibility was sufficiently adequate.
I definitely could have done a standing start,
Hamilton said when asked if he preferred a traditional lights-out start rather than a rolling release.
Especially at the end there, because it was almost a dry line. It was hardly any spray. So I definitely could have done it.
Context: Safety Concerns and Race Director’s Cautious Approach
The choice to delay the race start must be understood against the backdrop of several serious incidents at Spa-Francorchamps in recent years. The track’s conditions can be treacherous, especially with the current ground-effect cars producing heavy spray through their Venturi tunnels, which severely limits visibility for drivers.
Hamilton acknowledged this context but felt that the officials erred too much on the side of caution.
“I think they were probably overreacting from the last race where we asked them not to restart the race too early because visibility was bad,”
he said. The spray, he noted, this year has resembled “going through fog,” making clear sightlines a challenge.
And I think they just waited, just to be sure. I think they still did a good job. Of course we did miss some of the extreme wet racing, which I think would have been nice. But for some reason the spray here is really, or this year at least, it’s like going through fog. I don’t know what we’re going to do to try and fix it.
Balancing Excitement and Safety at Spa
Hamilton’s remarks underscore the tension between ensuring driver safety and delivering thrilling racing in challenging weather. His ability to navigate the conditions and move through the field attests to his skill, yet the officials’ cautious approach reflects their responsibility following past tragedies on this demanding circuit.
As Formula 1 continues to adapt to the performance characteristics of ground-effect cars and extreme weather, the debate over race starts in wet conditions is likely to persist. Balancing visibility, driver safety, and competitive racing will remain a pressing challenge for organizers and teams alike.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Lewis Hamilton vegan?
A. Race car driver Lewis Hamilton openly supports veganism. He invests in companies focused on plant-based products as well.
Q. Why did Lewis Hamilton quit?
A. Hamilton is said to have switched from Mercedes to Ferrari because they proposed a longer deal with a higher salary. Additionally, after not winning any races in 2022 or 2023, he aimed to turn his career around with a fresh start at a new team.
Q. Why is Lewis Hamilton so rich?
A. Forbes recently listed him as one of the top-earning athletes of 2025, with total earnings reaching $80 million. His income increased significantly after joining Scuderia Ferrari this year, the oldest and most successful team in F1. Additionally, his roles as an ambassador for Lululemon and Dior have contributed to his earnings.
Q. Max Verstappen: Who has the bigger net worth in 2025? Lewis Hamilton, with a net worth of $300 million, surpasses Max Verstappen’s $200 million. Hamilton’s wealth is from Formula 1 earnings, endorsements, smart investments, and properties.
A. Is Max Verstappen wealthier than Lewis Hamilton?
When comparing their earnings and endorsements, Lewis Hamilton generally has a higher net worth than Max Verstappen. Hamilton has been in Formula 1 for more years, allowing him to accumulate more wealth through his career. While Verstappen is highly successful and has lucrative deals, Hamilton’s overall financial status remains greater.
