F1 'disappointed for fans' after two-lap Belgian GP washout

Formula 1 has expressed its 'disappointment for the fans' after a rain-delayed Belgian Grand Prix resulted in no competitive running.

The weather wreaked havoc at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit, with only two laps completed behind the safety car which allowed half points to be awarded.

Almost four hours after the scheduled race start time, the decision was taken to call a halt to the event as the weather showed no sign of relenting.

For the majority of the fans, who had spent many hours out in the pouring rain even before the official 3pm local [2pm BST] start, it was a bitter end to the day.

In a joint statement addressing Sunday's events, F1 and the FIA said: "Following the significant weather disruption to the 2021 FIA Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix, the FIA and Formula 1 are disappointed for all the fans at the track and at home that today’s race could not go to full distance, but the safety of the drivers, marshals and spectators must always be the priority.

"The decision of the stewards to extend the window in which the race could take place gave every possible opportunity to maximise the day's running, but the weather conditions, unfortunately, did not improve sufficiently to complete more laps."

Seven-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton had earlier criticised the decision to run for the two laps behind the safety car, declaring it to be money-driven.

Hamilton also called for the fans to be refunded their money but there has been no communication as to whether such an action will be taken.

Related

More F1 news

Latest F1 news

British wonderkid WILL get F1 chance says Audi team boss

• 27 minutes ago

F1 champion gets baby son into karting at two months old

• 1 hour ago

Ferrari insiders 'questioning' Vasseur as Horner comments wake 'internal enemies'

• 2 hours ago

F1 star admits hiding major injury after 'stupid' punch

• 3 hours ago

FIA declares official heat hazard for Bahrain Grand Prix as monsoon weather lashes Malaysia

• Today 18:45

FIA president hails 'deal of the century' after major contract extension

• Today 17:27