F1 dilemma and future champions star - What we learned at the Belgian GP

Fans at Spa in Belgium — Photo: © LAT Images

Belgian Grand Prix

F1 dilemma and future champions star - What we learned at the Belgian GP

More questions posed than laps completed

Ewan Gale

Monday 30 August 2021 18:20

The Belgian Grand Prix turned out to be a difficult weekend for F1 as the weather refused to relent.

In the end, only two laps of running behind the safety car were possible and the 'race' - if it can be called that - ended with half-points being awarded, with Max Verstappen taking the victory ahead of George Russell and Lewis Hamilton.

So what did we learn from a Belgian GP that offered more questions than laps?

Eau Rouge-Raidillon changes needed

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The circuit has already demonstrated that changes will be made to one of the most exhilarating sequences in world motorsport with the arrival of motorbike racing dictating the need for gravel at Eau Rouge and Raidillon.

It is a good job, too, as the F1 weekend further demonstrated the perils of the complex of corners.

In W Series qualifying, six drivers were involved in a horrific crash at the top of the hill that they all thankfully walked away from, although Ayla Agren and Beitske Visser were taken to hospital.

Lando Norris was the third driver to be transferred to hospital for checks after his qualifying crash before another scary incident took place during that night's F3 race.

The problem isn't necessarily the fast, heavy impacts as they can be seen at various corners around the world, but the fact cars are fired back across the racetrack after impact.

We have unfortunately seen the potential outcome of this. A reaction is coming, so let's hope it proves adequate.

Fans become a secondary thought again

As Verstappen remarked, the real winners of the weekend were the fans who kept the circuit at full capacity despite the dreadful conditions and lack of running.

The longer time passes, the more obscene the decision looks to run what appeared to be a money-oriented two laps behind the safety car. Was that just reward for the fans after a three-hour delay?

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has dismissed calls for refunds for fans, so what do they get for their incredible support to the sport?

The situation could have turned into an embarrassment if the spectators left the circuit during the delay, but instead, they stayed cheering, waving, engaging with the drivers and teams.

With the first year of Domenicali's reign coming to an end, now is not the time to alienate the fanbase.

F1 calendar reshuffle doesn't help

To continue from the last point, ticket holders may not be too impressed with the dates changing for grands prix yet again.

Brazil and Mexico have been moved a week later than was originally scheduled, whilst Turkey has become the problem child of the season and has been shifted once more. Russia is now standalone.

With Qatar touted to fill the TBC date to finish a triple-header starting in Mexico and Brazil, there will no doubt be concerns within the workforce as to the exhaustive nature of such a schedule.

Russell ready for the big time

The big news of the weekend was that Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff revealed a decision had been made regarding the driver line-up for 2022.

Regardless of whether Valtteri Bottas stays or George Russell is promoted, the British driver's qualifying performance on Saturday will be a lap talked about for years to come.

To finish second in a Williams that was second-slowest in Friday's practice was borderline ridiculous. Yet it showed the sheer talent Russell possesses and just why he is ready to make the step up.

That lap ultimately led to his first F1 podium and despite the difficult circumstances around the event, no one can take that away from him.

Norris a world champion in waiting

Another British driver who again put his hand up as future champion material was Lando Norris. Yes, he has been superb all season but his speed in Q1 and Q2 was incredible to top both sessions.

But for his crash at Eau Rouge in the heavy rain, it is highly likely the McLaren driver would have been on pole.

The crash happened and took away points from his tally but the bravery to just go for it despite noting the weather was nigh-on undrivable felt like the mark of a champion.

There feels like a certain changing of the guard this year.