McLaren suggest only "indoor racing" will prevent future Belgian GP incidents

Ricciardo, Mclaren, Belgium — Photo: © LAT Images

Belgian Grand Prix

McLaren suggest only "indoor racing" will prevent future Belgian GP incidents

Safety has to be paramount according to Andreas Seidl

Ian Parkes

Tuesday 31 August 2021 14:55

McLaren team principal Andreas Seidl believes there is no way an F1 grand prix can 100% be guaranteed other than to go "indoor racing".

Seidl naturally recognises an indoor race will never occur in the future but has made the remark to highlight that on occasion the events like those that transpired at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit are beyond anyone's control and have to be accepted given motor racing is an outdoor sport.

Asked whether F1 could make any changes to the tyres, wheel covers or ride heights to improve the situation in future, Seidl remarked: "We simply have to accept it.

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'The only other alternative to 100 per cent guarantee that you can race is that we do an indoor race.

"You have to accept that as long as we go outdoor racing, days like those [at Spa] can happen and that it is not possible, in whatever car, to race because we can’t guarantee.

“First of all, you have the issue of aquaplaning plus the view for the guys in the car through the spray. I don’t think there is any car that would allow you to race safely in these conditions.”

Seidl - we did everything to race safely

Despite the criticism that has followed over the handling of events, with the drivers sent out for two laps behind the safety car to ensure points could be awarded, Seidl is confident the FIA did everything it could to attempt a race, but also ensuring safety.

"We all had the same objective," added Seidl. "We all wanted to go racing - the drivers, the teams, Formula 1, the FIA and the fans, mainly to put on a good show for the fans.

“That is why I think it is worth trying, even in difficult conditions, as long as it is safe to put on this show.

“But, as I have said before, safety must be protected and that was done, so to be honest, I am happy in the end with the outcome.

“There was no risk to anyone, we tried what was possible but we had to accept it was not possible in the end to race.”