Max Verstappen has expressed concern that Formula 1 may lose its traditional wet weather racing excitement following significant delays at the Belgian Grand Prix, where persistent rain prevented proper wet conditions from unfolding on track. The delayed start on Sunday at Spa-Francorchamps and cautious race management highlighted issues surrounding race control decisions in challenging weather.
Delays at Spa-Francorchamps Halt Racing Action
The Belgian Grand Prix faced an 80-minute postponement before the race could begin due to heavy rain affecting visibility and safety. When the event finally commenced, cars performed a formation lap behind the Safety Car but were quickly red-flagged as the conditions were deemed too hazardous for genuine racing. Although it was no longer raining during the start, multiple drivers complained about the difficulty in seeing clearly on the circuit.
Verstappen voiced his frustration over the cautious approach taken by the FIA, criticizing the delay during team communications. He remarked,
“Well that’s a bit silly, I mean, you should just run a few laps, jesus.”
The atmosphere was tense as many felt the decisions prevented the race from genuinely showcasing wet weather driving skills.
Max Verstappen Critiques Safety Car and Race Control Decisions
Once racing resumed, officials opted to keep cars behind the Safety Car for several laps as a precaution. By the time green flags waved for competitive driving, the track was drying rapidly, minimizing the potential for classic wet conditions. Verstappen argued that the officials were overly cautious and that the delay diminished the essence of wet weather competition.
When asked about the ideal start time, Verstappen responded,
“
3 o’clock straight away. It wasn’t even raining,
”
emphasizing that the conditions were acceptable for racing earlier. He explained that although parts of the circuit, specifically between Turns 1 and 5, had standing water, running a few Safety Car laps would have improved visibility significantly.
“Between Turn 1 and 5 there was quite a bit of water but if you do two, three laps behind the Safety Car it would have been a lot more clear and the rest of the track was ready to go. It’s a bit of a shame,”
he added.
He also lamented that the final race conditions did not represent the wet weather challenges F1 fans typically enjoy, stating,
“
It’s better to say let’s wait until it’s completely dry and we start on the slicks because it’s not really wet weather racing for me.
”
Concerns over the Future of Wet Weather Racing in F1
Verstappen warned that the overly cautious approach taken by race officials could mean that fans will rarely witness the dramatic, rain-soaked races for which Formula 1 is known. He acknowledged that past fatal accidents at Spa and elsewhere might influence officials’ decisions, but he felt that the current level of caution was excessive.
The Dutch driver said,
“
Yeah, potentially. Of course at the end of the day they do what they want, right? I mean, they decide,
”
suggesting that ultimate control lies with the race authorities. He added,
“
But I just find it is a bit of a shame for everyone, you will never see these classic kind of wet races anymore then, which, yeah, I think they still can happen. And I think also the rain that fell afterwards was still manageable, if we would have kept lapping anyway. And then you make all the decisions based on wet racing, so then also it just ruins your whole race a bit.
”
Risky Setup Choice Undermines Verstappen’s Race Strategy
With significant rainfall expected, Red Bull selected a higher downforce setup for Verstappen’s car, intending to maximize performance in wet conditions. However, because most of the race was contested in nearly dry conditions, this choice proved disadvantageous. Verstappen ultimately finished fourth, narrowly trailing Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc by under two seconds.
Reflecting on the setup decision, Verstappen said,
“
Quite difficult. We made a choice with the setup, but then they only allow us to drive in almost slick conditions,
”
highlighting the mismatch between preparation and race conditions. He described the situation as disappointing, saying,
“We spoke after Silverstone to be a bit more cautious with the decisions but this was the other extreme for me.”
He further explained,
“The choice we made with the setup of the car was then the wrong one as they didn’t allow us to race in the wet.”
Verstappen noted that switching to dry tyres revealed the car’s lack of speed on straights and exacerbated handling issues, stating,
“
Once we got to the dry tyres, we were just too slow on the straights and then with the general balance that I already had with the car, it made everything a bit worse.
”
Implications for F1’s Race Experience and Fan Engagement
The Belgian Grand Prix delays and cautious race management at Spa-Francorchamps underline increasing concerns about how rain-affected races will be handled in the future. Verstappen’s comments reflect widespread frustration among drivers and fans who value wet weather racing as a unique and thrilling aspect of Formula 1. If similar conservative approaches persist, the sport risks losing the unpredictable conditions that have produced some of its most memorable moments.
The decisions made by race officials, influenced heavily by safety considerations and previous incidents, continue to shape how weather impacts race formats. Moving forward, the balance between maintaining driver safety and preserving the spectacle of wet weather racing will remain a key challenge for Formula 1 authorities and teams alike.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Max Verstappen a millionaire?
A. Max Verstappen’s net worth is estimated to be about $200 million, based on information from Celebrity Net Worth.
Q. Is Max Verstappen rich?
A. Max Verstappen has earned $217 million (£163m). He joined Red Bull Racing in 2016 and quickly became a standout on the track. In 2021, he won the F1 world championship, showing he is one of the top drivers. He also claimed the title in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
Q. What is Max Verstappen’s baby gender?
A. On Saturday, Max Verstappen and his girlfriend Kelly Piquet celebrated the arrival of their baby girl, Lily. Christian Horner, the Red Bull team boss, dismissed concerns that Lily’s birth would affect Verstappen’s racing performance.
Q. What gender is Max Verstappen’s baby?
A. Verstappen and Piquet have announced the birth of their baby girl, Lily. They had revealed they were expecting her before the 2024 season’s final race in Abu Dhabi. Lily joins Penelope, Piquet’s older daughter, as her younger sister.
