Update: Sergio will be allowed to start in the pit lane, according to FIA race director Michael Masi – “Good news – Sergio will be in a pit lane start.”
Red Bull’s Sergio Perez won’t be able to start today’s race after crashing out on route to the grid this afternoon.
Although the collision wasn’t at any particular speed, the Mexican driver hit the barrier at such an angle that the RB16B endured some damage to the front suspension.
Meanwhile, with the rain bucketing down, the delayed formation lap will start behind the safety car while George Russell told reporters that the conditions were “difficult and dangerous” before getting into his Williams.
Lights out will be at least ten minutes delayed this morning as the rain continues to fall with Formula 1 race director Michael Masi saying “The rain intensity has got much too strong.”
The race start is scheduled for 2:25 pm Irish time, however, it will only go ahead if the rain eases off.
Drivers are now patiently awaiting lights out from the comfort of their cockpits for the Belgian Grand Prix.
McLaren boss, Zak Brown told Sky F1: “It doesn’t look like it’s going to get heavier. I don’t think the cloud is going to pass through though.
“I think the race is going to be total chaos, which will be good for the viewers. Good for some of the team and bad for some other of the teams!”
“We expect this rain to continue for 15/20 minutes, and then for heavier rain to start after that,” McLaren have told Daniel Ricciardo.
Latest:
Red Bull have been on to Formula 1 race director Michael Masi asking if Sergio Perez can rejoin the race if they fix his car on time.
Red Bull have said they understand that they are allowed to attempt to fix his car, and enter seen as how the race “hasn’t begun” in their opinion.
In response, Masi told Red Bull’s Jonathan Wheatley “Let me come back to you on that one.”
