Zak Brown calls for review as Belgian Grand Prix 'was not a race'

Ricciardo, Mclaren, Belgium — Photo: © LAT Images

Belgian Grand Prix

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Brown calls for review as Belgian Grand Prix 'was not a race'

There were no racing laps at a washed-out Spa

Sam Hall

Sunday 29 August 2021 22:25

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McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown has called upon F1 and the FIA to redefine what constitutes a race as he claims "that is not what we participated in" at the Belgian Grand Prix.

The washout at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit meant that half-points were awarded after two laps were completed behind the safety car even though it was obvious the conditions meant it was impossible to race

Brown feels the events of the day have set a precedent that F1 and the governing body need to address.

"That was certainly a disappointing day," said Brown in a video post to fans on social media.

"We wanted to race, our drivers wanted to race and, of course, we know you wanted to see a race and that is not what you saw. That is not what we participated in.

"[It was a] very difficult situation. I think it needs a bit of an explanation.

"I think the FIA did everything they could to put on a race. They obviously can't control the weather. They do need to put the drivers' safety first. The conditions were not raceable.

"The regulations state [that] after you do a few laps it can be called a race. I think that needs to be reviewed. I don't think there's anyone that would argue the weather was safe to race in but we need a better solution as a sport.

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"When that type of situation happens, the outcome should not be a race after three laps behind a safety car."

McLaren picked up points as Daniel Ricciardo was classified fourth but the lack of racing denied Lando Norris the opportunity to recover positions after his heavy crash in qualifying and subsequent gearbox penalty. Brown continued: "That is what the rules say but I think that now needs to be reviewed by all of us to learn from today and realise that if we are given this type of situation, what would we do differently to make sure that the outcome is everyone gets their race in, whether that's the following day, whether it comes back.

"It's quite complicated with the schedule but I don't think anyone would say today it felt right calling that a race.

"We will get to work on this and hope that something like this doesn't happen again."