Max Verstappen Gets Brutally Honest About Belgian GP Delay

Newsweek

2 days ago

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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Red Bull driver Max Verstappen finished in fourth place at the Belgian Grand Prix, but he was left unhappy after a controversial start, which resulted in the race being delayed and the rolling start procedure being implemented.
Massive amounts of rain delayed the start of the race. It took over an hour for the rain to subside and the track to be ready for racing.
Once the FIA deemed the circuit ready for racing, they opted for a rolling start, deeming it too wet for a standing start on the grid.
This meant four laps under a safety car, allowing the cars to dry the track, after which the safety car would re-enter, and the polesitter would initiate the race.
Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing speaks in the media pen during the F1 Grand Prix of Belgium at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps on July 27, 2025 in Spa, Belgium.
Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing speaks in the media pen during the F1 Grand Prix of Belgium at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps on July 27, 2025 in Spa, Belgium.
Photo byVerstappen was not a fan of the decision made by the race directors, feeling the race should have started on time under wet conditions.
"It was not even raining. And, of course, between Turn 1 and 5 there was quite a bit of water," the Dutch driver said.
"But if we had been two or three laps behind the safety car, then it would have been a lot more clear.
"And the rest of the track was anyway ready to go. It's a bit of a shame. Of course, I knew that there would be a bit more cautious over the Silverstone, but this also didn't make sense.
"Then it's better to say, you know what, let's wait until it's completely dry and then we just start on slicks. Because this is not really wet weather racing for me."
The Red Bull driver is one of the best in wet conditions, successfully controlling the car despite the intense rain.
His performance in Brazil last season was magical, and his success in the wet meant he was relishing the chance to race under those conditions.
"But I just find that it's a bit of a shame for everyone. You will never see these classic kind of wet races anymore.
"I think they still can happen. And I think also the rain that fell afterwards was still manageable if we would have kept lapping anyway.
"And, you know, you make all the decisions based on wet racing. So that also just ruins your whole race a bit."
Belgium Grand Prix Results