The Belgian Grand Prix has been brought to a stop once more as a result of torrential rain.
Race Control has now confirmed that the race will not go ahead, which means Max Verstappen takes the win after topping the timesheets in Q3 on Saturday, and will be rewarded 12.5 points.
George Russell secured his first podium as a result of the stoppage this afternoon, after a brilliant stint in his Williams yesterday – he comes away with 9 points.
Filling the final spot on the podium is Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton, with 7.5 points.
Speaking after today’s antics, Max Verstappen said;
“Of course now in hindsight it was very important to get that pole position.
“It’s a big shame to not do proper laps, but the conditions were very tricky out there. I said at 3.30pm ‘let’s go’, I think the conditions were decent but the visibility was very low. I think if we would have started at 3pm we would have had a better chance but, nevertheless, after that it just stayed really wet and it kept raining.
“It’s a win but not how you want to win. Today a big credit goes to all the fans around the track for staying here the whole day in the rain, the cold, windy conditions. They are actually the bigger winners today.”
Here are all the highlights from a rain-soaked Spa Francorchamps:
Red Bull’s Sergio Perez was told he would not start the Belgian Grand Prix after crashing out on the way to the grid – however, after Red Bull pushed for the restart after mending the RB16B, Race Director Michael Masi confirmed he could start from the pit lane because the race had not technically started.
With the rain bucketing down, the first formation lap started behind the safety car at 2:25 pm, but George Russell told reporters that the conditions were “difficult and dangerous” before getting into his Williams for a P2 start.
Then, the second lights out attempt was over 3 hours delayed because Formula 1 race director Michael Masi had said; “The rain intensity has got much too strong”.
So, after hours of weather updates, drivers resumed their positions behind the safety car for what was supposed to be a one-hour race.
The safety car led the train of drivers onto the track, although conditions remained lethal, and they managed to complete just over two laps before Race Control called it.
“Race Control have decided to go back to the pit-lane again because conditions haven’t improved,” says Sky Sports’ Crofty.
As it stands, half points will be rewarded should the Grand Prix be abandoned, because two laps have successfully been complete.
However, it looks like it will be half points even if the cars are allowed back on track because there now is not enough time to complete 75% of the race.
More to follow.
