F1 and FIA set for rules talks following Belgian GP criticism

Fans at Spa in the rain — Photo: © LAT Images

Belgian Grand Prix

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F1 and FIA set for rules talks following Belgian GP criticism

Condemnation has been widespread across the sport

Ian Parkes

Monday 30 August 2021 15:05

F1, the FIA and the teams are set to discuss in the coming days potential changes to the regulations in the wake of widespread criticism of the Belgian Grand Prix washout, GPFans Global understands.

Drivers, teams and fans have all been scathing that what unfolded at a rain-lashed Spa-Francorchamps circuit was declared a 'race', with half points awarded.

Following numerous weather delays, the drivers were sent out on track 25 minutes after the scheduled start time for nothing more than two formation laps before the event was red-flagged.

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A near three-hour delay followed, during which time numerous discussions took place between the teams and FIA race director Michael Masi over a range of procedures.

They included Sergio Perez's re-admittance into the race after he had crashed out on a parade lap, how many laps were left remaining given the messages aired and the formation laps, and the exact time the event had started.

Despite torrential rain, the FIA eventually took the decision to send the field back out behind the safety car for an additional two laps before the race was again red-flagged and a decision taken 20 minutes later to finally call a halt to proceedings, nearly four hours after the scheduled start time.

The official classification showed only one 'racing' lap had been completed, but as Red Bull's Max Verstappen, as the leader, had crossed the control line three times [including during the formation lap period] this complied with the requirement that two laps were run in order for half points to be awarded.

Lewis Hamilton immediately called the situation "a farce", and suggested financial forces were at work, while fellow champions Sebastian Vettel and Fernando Alonso additionally described what unfolded as "a joke" and "a shocker" respectively.

McLaren CEO Zak Brown also called for a review of the situation as he claimed that what took place was not a race, with Alfa Romeo further issuing a statement claiming that handling of the event "hurts fans of the sport".

GPFans Global understands talks are due to take place over the next week, likely across this weekend's Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, to ensure the regulations are swiftly altered to ensure there is no repeat.

With regard to Hamilton's call for fans to be reimbursed, a suggestion that was soon rejected by F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, it is now further understood discussions are ongoing with the promoter as to potential scenarios.