F1 criticized for 'outrageous' caution during wet Spa GP.

      "That’s not the essence of a wet race."

      Formula 1’s cautious stance regarding racing in wet conditions faced significant backlash following a chaotic Belgian GP on Sunday. Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton, and Dr. Helmut Marko were among those criticizing the FIA for its lengthy delay and refusal to initiate the race under fully wet conditions.

      Despite a risky wet setup approach from Red Bull and others, the race was postponed for an excessively long time, only commencing after the heaviest rain had subsided and with several laps under the safety car before moving to a rolling start. "That’s how you spoil a beautiful, classic race in the rain," Verstappen remarked. "It would be better to say, 'Let’s wait for it to be completely dry and then we’ll start on slicks.’" He added, "That’s not the essence of a wet race."

      Frequently at odds with the FIA, the four-time world champion expressed his discontent once more: "They simply do as they please. They make the decisions," the Dutchman stated. "I think it’s unfortunate for everyone. Those classic rainy races will likely be a thing of the past."

      Marko from Red Bull was also forthright: "We need to reassess the entire process. With two or three laps behind the safety car, water could have been cleared off the track, and we could have started an hour earlier." He noted that the delay disrupted Red Bull’s strategy: "It rendered our entire plan with rain settings ineffective. Under normal conditions, it would have been a safe race."

      FIA race director Rui Marques received substantial criticism from various figures in the paddock and media outlets, with Marca labeling the delay as "the biggest nonsense in Formula 1," while Ekstra Bladet condemned F1’s "absurd hesitation."

      Viaplay analyst and former F1 driver Heikki Kovalainen stated: "We should be able to race in this weather. This is a dangerous sport, and that risk should be accepted; if not, then this isn’t the right sport for you."

      Conversely, others supported the caution. Charles Leclerc remarked: "Considering the history associated with this track, you cannot overlook it. I’d prefer to prioritize safety over hasty decisions." Race winner Oscar Piastri added: "Even with just Lando in front of me, I couldn’t see anything. One can only imagine how tough it is for those at the back."

      Carlos Sainz, co-director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, deemed the decision "correct," referencing Spa’s recent tragic past: "Given the unfortunate history, it's wiser to be overly cautious than to take unnecessary risks."

      Seven-time world champion Hamilton, however, echoed Verstappen’s sentiments: "I repeatedly mentioned we were ready to race. I think they overreacted; last time (at Silverstone) we advised them against starting too soon. This time, it was the opposite." When asked about Verstappen’s remarks, he said, "I would definitely concur. We could have simply done a standing start – the line was nearly dry, and there wasn’t much spray further along."

      Nico Hulkenberg referred to the extended delay as a "mood killer," while Soy Motor’s Jesus Munoz commented: "Formula 1 has been taken away from us. And the most concerning part is that it’s likely to get worse."