The Belgian Grand Prix has been halted by Formula 1 officials due to adverse weather conditions prevailing around Spa-Francorchamps.
As the anticipated rainstorms descended upon the Ardennes region on the scheduled race day, participating drivers initiated the formation lap for the 44-lap event using Pirelli’s intermediate compound tyres.
However, owing to limited visibility and substantial water spray generated behind the pace car, the FIA race direction implemented a red flag, thereby suspending the commencement of the race.
“The majority of drivers have conveyed concerns regarding inadequate visibility during the formation lap, which prompted the issuance of the red flag,” stated a representative from the FIA.
Rain on the track
Photo by: Beniot Doppagne / Belga Mag / AFP via Getty Images
Lando Norris, the driver starting from pole position, communicated to his McLaren team that even he, as the lead driver, was encountering difficulty in discerning the safety car. Consequently, he directed the vehicles back to the pit lane for servicing by their respective pit crews. The teams are presently awaiting a ten-minute notification prior to the resumption of the procedure, contingent upon an improvement in weather conditions.
Although additional periods of intense rainfall are anticipated at Spa during the race duration, the rain had ceased at the originally planned commencement time of 15:00. Race officials are expressing optimism that a window of drier conditions may present an opportunity to initiate the grand prix.
Earlier in the day, the F3 race was abandoned as a result of the severe weather circumstances, while the F2 feature race was successfully conducted under wet track conditions.
