close global

Welcome to GPFans

CHOOSE YOUR COUNTRY

  • NL
  • GB
  • IT
  • ES-MX
  • US
  • GB


Hamilton Belgian GP refund call rejected by F1

Hamilton Belgian GP refund call rejected by F1

Ian Parkes & Sam Hall

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has resisted a call from seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton for fans to be refunded in the wake of the Belgian Grand Prix washout.

Heavy rain fell constantly over the Spa-Francorchamps circuit, with fans remaining in the grandstands and on the hillsides for over four hours past the scheduled race start time.

Their reward for such patience was two laps behind the safety car in treacherous conditions, leading to McLaren CEO Zak Brown described it as 'not a race'.

Following the non-event, Hamilton immediately suggested the fans should be reimbursed, but when asked if he shared this view, Domenicali answered: “No I don’t."

He explained: “You can pay the ticket and then [it is] what it is.

"At the end of the day the organiser, together with us, will consider the attention, the maximum attention to the fans, that’s for sure.”

The two completed laps were enough to allow an official race classification, with half points awarded to the top-10 finishers.

Pressed as to whether a complete lack of running would have made the case for any refund stronger, Domenicali said: “No, because it is a matter of attention, a matter of being ready to do something for the fans.

“As I said, two laps or zero laps it doesn’t make a difference in that respect.

“The race is there. Formally, it is a race. It is a matter of understanding what is the sign of attention the organiser would like to do with the fans.

"I think there will be ideas already that they are thinking considering what has happened this year.”

Related

Jos Verstappen left 'fuming' after Sky Sports F1 interview
Latest F1 News

Jos Verstappen left 'fuming' after Sky Sports F1 interview

  • July 31, 2025 10:56
  • 1
Max Verstappen's Red Bull triumph triggers major pivot against F1 rivals
F1 Opinion

Max Verstappen's Red Bull triumph triggers major pivot against F1 rivals

  • July 30, 2025 20:59
Do Not Sell My Personal Information
Ontdek het op Google Play