F1 Belgian Grand Prix start aborted as FIA issues statement after stopping race

The Belgian Grand Prix was stopped after the formation lap amid safety concerns at the Circuit Spa-Francorchamps. Wet weather in the Ardennes Forest put the start at the race at risk and it soon became clear that there was a significant amount of standing water on track.

All cars went round the track on the formation lap at 2pm UK time, when the Formula 1 race was supposed to begin. But drivers were reporting over the radio that visibility was very poor with a lot of spray being thrown up into the air.

And the FIA confirmed that was the reason why race control then hastily red-flagged the Grand Prix and ordered all cars back to the pit lane. "Most drivers have reported poor visibility during the formation lap, hence the red flag," a statement from the governing body read.

Lando Norris, who qualified on pole for the race, was one of those who reported significant visibility concerns over the radio. As he followed the safety car on the formation lap, he told his McLaren race engineer that he could see very little and assumed that it was much worse for those behind him.

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Many other drivers agreed, though Max Verstappen was clearly not on board with the decision to abandon the start of the race. Starting from fourth on the grid, the Dutchman made it clear that he would have much preferred to get going.

He said over his Red Bull radio intercom: "Well that's a bit silly, I mean, you should just run a few laps, Jesus. They're way too cautious, now the heavy rain is coming, and then it's gonna be a three-hour delay."

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