Carlos Sainz suggests Belgian double-header to atone for "absolute nonsense" two-lap race

Sainz, Ferrari, Belgium — Photo: © LAT Images

Belgian Grand Prix

Sainz suggests Belgian double-header to atone for "absolute nonsense" two-lap race

Sainz earned half a point for finishing 10th

Ian Parkes & Ewan Gale

Tuesday 31 August 2021 12:45 Updated: 13:07

Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz has called for a Belgian double-header in 2022 to make up for the "absolute nonsense" of this year's event.

Fans were left disappointed when only two laps could be run under safety car conditions after a three-hour delay despite weather radars suggesting the rain would not abate through the afternoon.

Lewis Hamilton was critical of the handling of the event and called for fans to be refunded, although F1 has so far dismissed these calls.

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Asked what could be done to make it up to fans, Sainz said: "I don't know, maybe give them a double race next year or something like that.

"There was nothing we could do. I am really sorry for them because they are the first ones that deserve to have a show.

"It has been a tough couple of years with Covid, last year it was [behind] closed doors. This year you could get to Spa, maybe a full crowd. It would have been great to give them a show but trust me, we just couldn't do it.

"We could have done it Monday maybe, but we have to go to Zandvoort. I am really sorry for everyone but I don't see a window or a way to solve this than for next year to give them a double race or something."

Sainz confused over earning half a point

Sainz finished 10th and picked up half a point after the two laps behind the safety car enabled scoring to be allowed, despite only one lap being shown as completed in the final classification.

Cynics have suggested the laps were run purely to allow for the scoring. Sainz claimed: "If it was done with the intention just to give points, I think it is absolute nonsense.

"I don't think we should do any kind of laps to alter the final result of the race.

"If it was done with the intention of actually running and restarting the race then yes, which brings me to the next point.

"How far into the race do you call it a race and if there was actually now race laps and competition, why should points be given or any result be given because there was no race?

"Basically, I didn't race, so I didn't deserve half a point so I don't know why I get half a point."