Torrential rain forced officials to delay the 2025 Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps for more than an hour due to safety concerns.
The heavy downpour started just before the scheduled race start. Standing water covered the track and poor visibility made driving dangerous. Race control allowed drivers to complete the formation lap behind the Safety Car, but conditions were too severe to begin racing.
Pole-sitter Lando Norris reported he “couldn’t see much behind the safety car” due to spray from other cars. Officials immediately waved the red flag and sent all cars back to the pit lane.
The delay lasted one hour and 20 minutes while race control monitored weather conditions. Officials said the delay would continue as long as needed to ensure driver safety.
Meteorologists watched radar for breaks in the rain. Conditions gradually improved enough to attempt a restart. Officials resumed the event with several Safety Car laps to check visibility and standing water.
All drivers used intermediate tires for the restart. Race control chose a rolling start instead of the traditional standing start for added safety.
Oscar Piastri overtook Norris on the first green-flag lap after the restart. The race continued under close weather monitoring, but conditions remained within safe limits.
Spa-Francorchamps has a reputation for rapid weather changes that can dramatically affect race strategy. The FIA emphasized that driver and marshal safety always comes first, especially at tracks where rainfall can change conditions in minutes.
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