Formula 1 fans have been left questioning the regulations after a delay to the start of the Belgian Grand Prix due to torrential rain.
Rain hit the track about 30 minutes before the start, and teams were left sitting on the grid after the reconnaissance laps not knowing what the conditions were like.
Once the start procedure was initiated under Safety Car, drivers were complaining over team radio about the conditions.
The race start was suspended, with F1 fans taking to the social media website X (formerly Twitter) to voice their displeasure over the decision.
F1 fans question wet tyre regulations after Belgian Grand Prix delay
It’s no secret that fans want to see racing in the rain, but often this gets cut short due to the conditions. Although the teams have wet tyres that can be used, often the rain is too heavy and produces too much standing water.
One fan wrote: “Meant to be the pinnacle of motorsport. You’re a joke! Use the wet weather tyres to go around to clear the water thus reducing the spray. Absolute no brainer!”
Another fan felt F1 has become boring due to the lack of running in the rain: “F1 is becoming boring. Too scared to race in wet conditions.”
One fan wrote: “Instruct all them to put full wets on and get on with it. Don’t need another farce.”
Fans also felt it would’ve been better to run under Safety Car: “Why not just lap around behind the safety car a few times? Surely that’s the best way to clear the water on track.”
Another fan showed their frustration: “Race control scared to go racing again,” while one fan commented: “The worst regulation in F1 history. What a ridiculous embarrassment.”
What is the main reason for the delay of the Belgian Grand Prix?
Although heavy rain and standing water can throw up problems for the cars due to how low they run to the track, the cause for the delay in Belgium relates to visibility.
Drivers were reporting limited or no visibility on the straights, with Charles Leclerc saying that he could not spot the switches on his steering wheel or more than 10 meters ahead.
George Russell also felt that the visibility was too poor, while the FIA confirmed that they threw the red flag after driver feedback.
Marshals also need to be able to see the next post to make a session viable to run, and the spray from the cars can make this complicated.
