FIA counters Lewis Hamilton Belgian GP criticism

Belgian Grand Prix

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FIA counters Hamilton Belgian GP criticism

Only two laps were completed at the Belgian Grand Prix

Ewan Gale

Sunday 29 August 2021 20:36

FIA race director Michael Masi has insisted the two laps run to complete the distance needed for classification at the Belgian Grand Prix were solely to test conditions.

Rain lashed the Spa-Francorchamps circuit relentlessly to ensure no green-flag running could be achieved, with just two laps completed behind the safety car after a three-hour delay.

Lewis Hamilton, who was awarded third as per his qualifying position, suggested that the reason for laps being run at the end of the afternoon was clear and "money talks".

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Asked by Sky Sports F1 if there was any ulterior motive to the decision for cars to roll out, Masi said: "No, it was to see what the conditions were like.

"We were in constant contact with our official weather provider and there was a window that looked like it was provided there.

"We have the requirement to give a 10-minute warning to everyone. It was like, let's try and see if we can find that window.

"A number of the teams said the same thing. They saw that window and could see exactly what we were trying to do to find that weather window.

"Then the weather came in and got the better of us again."

FIA had "no ability to postpone"

During the three-hour delay, various team principals and drivers prompted queries as to whether the race could be pushed back to Monday, with Christian Horner replying with "Why not?" when asked by Sky Sports F1.

Masi revealed, however: "There is no ability to postpone the race until Monday.

"Obviously, from the FIA perspective and jointly with Formula 1, safety is paramount for drivers, teams and all of the spectators.

"We gave every available opportunity within the rulebook, within the provisions of the International Sporting Code to give us the best opportunity to help us complete the race.

"The list would be pages long between organisers, everyone here, all of us. There is just no ability to postpone until the following day."