EThere was no real race, but Max Verstappen was crowned the winner in the rain chaos of Spa-Francorchamps. Only half World Cup points were given out, but even that was too much for some. After all, there was never a real Grand Prix at the Belgian Grand Prix.
After two alibi laps behind the safety car to fulfill the rule obligations, Verstappen (Red Bull) triumphed in front of George Russell (Williams) and Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) shortly before dawn and almost three hours of interruption, without even touching the accelerator pedal once to have pushed through fully. The order of the Saturday after qualification was decisive.
“There was no time when we could drive, there was no race. I don’t understand the politics behind it, ”said Lewis Hamilton, who at least kept his World Cup lead. Hamilton was asked how he assessed the fact that the race was staged in the smallest possible format with oh and no noise again for two creeping trips.
“Money makes the world go round,” he replied, “and it was literally the case that the two laps of the race were a pure money scenario. So everyone gets their money and I think the fans should get it back too, because unfortunately they didn’t see what they came and paid for. Sport made a bad decision. So you only sent us out for one reason. “
In all discussions about the sense and nonsense of racing in Belgium, one thing must always be central: safety. And that would not have been guaranteed if it had been released as normal. What was even more important besides programmed aquaplaning was visibility. It tended towards zero. Even the flashing lights were not visible on the straights. The bottom line is that the Formula 1 cars are simply not made for such weather conditions, it overwhelms the car in the first place.
“It was probably the right decision,” said Sebastian Vettel about the termination. The 34-year-old finished fifth and took at least a few points with him to the next race next Sunday in Zandvoort / Netherlands. Until then, however, the racing series will in all likelihood accompany the discussion as to whether the Spa posse could not have been resolved otherwise. The international commentators agree on the assessment.
England
„Daily Mail“: “Max Verstappen won a farce of a Belgian Grand Prix – a procession behind a safety car for TWO laps. The crowd on the rainy circuit of Spa-Francorchamps waited three and a half hours for the results, while the highest paid drivers in the world sat in their garages and waited for better weather. ”
„The Guardian“: “The Belgian Grand Prix will be recorded as a race and the honors for it have been properly awarded, but there was little dignity in how Formula 1 went on a wet afternoon at Spa-Francorchamps.”
Belgium
“The evening”: The weather and money ruined everything. Drowned in torrential rain, the Belgian Grand Prix was a catastrophic spectacle for an admirable, self-sacrificing audience. Two laps behind a safety car meant almost four hours of unspeakable waiting. “
Spain
“The world”: “That was a pathetic pantomime. One of the greatest shame in the history of this sport. You can’t present the result of a race that didn’t take place. It is an insult to the history of Formula 1, an insult to competition and sport in general. “
“Mark”: “That was the peasant fishing race. The Belgian GP showed what Formula 1 is all about. For some it is sensible, for others it is a fraud. Because this sport still lives today from the mysticism that was created by men who risked their lives for the sport without complaint and often gave it up. “
„AS“: “Formula 1 is shipwrecked in Spa. Nobody questions that driver safety is a top priority. Due to the poor visibility, there was also little room for maneuver. The “Express” result leaves a bad taste. A very bad one. “
“Sports world”: “Verstappen won the ‘non-race’ at Spa. It was a pantomime that could easily have been avoided by canceling the race or postponing it to Monday. “
Italy
“Gazzetta dello Sport”: “The Farce of Spa: This is how you end up humiliating Formula 1. You could decide not to drive because of the extreme conditions; it would have been the more logical decision to protect the pilots. “
“The Republic”: “The imaginary Grand Prix – the last farce of Formula 1 – is not driven in Spa, but points are awarded.”
“Corriere della Sera”: “The farce of the Ghost Grand Prix – in Spa money and the storm win.”
France
“The Team”: “With card games for some, a nap for the others, and a small meal for Yuki Tsunoda, everyone killed time as best they could while it was raining outside. Ultimately, Michael Masi announced a restart for 6:17 p.m. But it was a waste of time. “
Austria
“Kronen Zeitung”: “Red Bull driver Max Verstappen won a curious Belgian Grand Prix on Sunday and bagged half world championship points for it! The race, which actually wasn’t one, will still cause some discussions. After a start delay of more than three hours due to persistent heavy rain, only two laps behind the safety car were reeled off on the evening before dark to bring a result into the classification. “
Switzerland
“View”: “Time goes by. The rain continues to pound on the asphalt. The Belgian GP has long since become a scandal. Those in charge are trying to get a race start behind the safety car. It’s all about the TV millions. “
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