Nothing Special   »   [go: up one dir, main page]
Wikipedia

2021 Belgian Grand Prix

The 2021 Belgian Grand Prix (officially known as the Formula 1 Rolex Belgian Grand Prix 2021) was a Formula One motor race held on 29 August 2021 at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps. It was the 12th round of the 2021 Formula One World Championship. The race was also the 77th overall running of the Belgian Grand Prix, the 66th time the event was run as part of the Formula One World Championship, and the 54th World Championship Belgian Grand Prix held at the Spa circuit. The race was won by Max Verstappen, ahead of George Russell and Lewis Hamilton.

2021 Belgian Grand Prix
Race 12 of 22[a] in the 2021 Formula One World Championship
← Previous raceNext race →
Layout of the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps
Layout of the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps
Race details
Date 29 August 2021
Official name Formula 1 Rolex Belgian Grand Prix 2021
Location Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, Stavelot, Belgium
Course Permanent racing facility
Course length 7.004 km (4.352 miles)
Distance 1 lap, 6.880 km (4.275 miles)
Scheduled distance 44 laps, 308.052 km (191.415 miles)
Weather Wet; persistent rain
Attendance 213,000[2]
Pole position
Driver
Red Bull Racing-Honda
Time 1:59.765
Fastest lap
Driver Not recognised[3]
Time None[3]
Podium
First
Red Bull Racing-Honda
Second
Williams-Mercedes
Third
Mercedes
Lap leaders

The race was planned to run for 44 laps, but ended during the third lap due to wet conditions. Laps one and two took place behind the safety car before a red flag stopped the race on lap three. The sporting regulations required the results be taken from the end of lap one, with half points given to drivers who finished in the top 10 positions as less than 75% of the originally scheduled race distance had been completed.

As of 2024, it holds the record for the shortest Formula One World Championship race in terms of distance (6.880 km (4.275 mi)) and number of laps raced (1). This beats the previous short-distance record of 52.920 km (32.883 mi) set at the 1991 Australian Grand Prix and the fewest laps record, 12, set at the 1971 German Grand Prix. The race was also marked the first time since the 2009 Malaysian Grand Prix that half points were awarded, the sixth time this occurred in Formula One. Regulation changes for the 2022 season meant that half-points could no longer be awarded in subsequent seasons. The decision to run two laps behind the safety car and red flagging the race on lap three stirred much controversy. The FIA and then race director Michael Masi were criticised by media, fans, teams and drivers for their decision-making during the weekend, and particularly on race day.

The race is the only World Championship race not to have any running under full green flag conditions. The lack of green flag running led many commentators to question the validity and sporting integrity of officially classifying and awarding points when the only laps completed were behind the safety car with no overtaking permitted. Some commentators and competitors accused Formula One of putting commercial interests above those of paying spectators and fans in general by not abandoning the event with no race result, and not giving spectators a partial ticket refund. Other commentators and competitors felt the awarding of half points was justified to reward competitors who had qualified well, even if the race scenario was not ideal.

In response to the negative reactions, the sport set about finding suitable methods of preventing a repeat scenario. It was decided to change the sporting regulations, which from 2022 onwards state a race must involve a minimum of two laps under green flag without a safety car or virtual safety car for points to be awarded. Subsequent changes in point structure for shortened races from 2022 meant that reduced points would be awarded to fewer drivers (depending on distance covered) in cases where a race ends under a red flag. Following confusion over how points were awarded at the subsequent 2022 Japanese Grand Prix this regulation was tweaked further for 2023 to ensure that amount of points allocated purely based on percentage distance raced irrespective of whether a race finishes under red or green flag conditions. Additionally, since 2022, Formula One has been exploring how to improve the raceability of cars in wet conditions in an attempt to reduce the need for safety cars and red flags in wet conditions. In 2023 Pirelli announced they have introduced a new Full Wet tyre compound to improve racing conditions during wet conditions, not requiring tire blankets.[4] This new blanketless full wet was raced for the first time at the 2023 Monaco Grand Prix.[5] Pirelli has also subsequently proposed the addition of either a third wet weather tyre compound be added to their tyre range or to be introduced as a single wet tyre with improved performance and consistency across different levels of on track wetness- to help improve racing in wet conditions.[6] However an attempt to introduce 'spray guards' to help achieve this objective was unsuccessful and has subsequently been abandoned.

Background

edit

The event, which was held over the weekend of 27–29 August at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, was the 12th round of the 2021 Formula One World Championship after a four-week summer break. It marked the sixty-sixth time the Belgian Grand Prix appeared on the season calendar.[7] It rained throughout the weekend which excited some drivers.[8] Mick Schumacher stated that he was "looking forward to getting onto some rain",[9] while Lando Norris said that he was "hoping for a bit of rain" in the race.[10] Nikita Mazepin stated that he "hope[s] it's dry."[11]

This Grand Prix was the first to enforce article 12.8.4 of Formula One technical regulations, which stated "devices which are used to fit or remove wheel fasteners may only be powered by compressed air or nitrogen. Any sensor systems may only act passively." Wheel guns came with sensors that informed mechanics when the wheel was securely fastened. Some teams designed their wheel guns to send this signal in anticipation of the wheel being fastened, mitigating reaction time and resulting in quicker service. The governing body deemed this practice unsafe, as it meant cars were potentially released from the pit stop without the wheels being securely fastened. The new technical directive banned this practice and new tolerance parameters were introduced to enforce the rule. A 0.15 second period between the tyres being securely fastened and the dropping of the jack, and a 0.2 second period from the dropping of the jack to the car being released by the pit crew. This made any benefits of the outlawed practices obsolete.[12] In a further clarification, it was revealed the FIA could ensure adherence to the new tolerance limits by using an intelligent wheel gun.[13] The change was originally planned for the Hungarian Grand Prix, but was postponed to this race.[14]

Championship standings before the race

edit

Following the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix one month earlier, Lewis Hamilton led the Drivers' Championship by 8 points from Max Verstappen. Lando Norris, Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Pérez were third, fourth and fifth, respectively. Mercedes led the Constructors' Championship by 12 points from Red Bull Racing. Scuderia Ferrari were third and McLaren fourth, each with 163 points (140 points behind Mercedes).[15]

Entrants

edit
See also: 2021 Formula One World Championship § Entries

The drivers and teams were the same as the season entry list with no additional stand-in drivers for the race.[16] The entry list contained five former winners of the Belgian Grand Prix, these being Lewis Hamilton (with wins in 2010, 2015, 2017 and 2020), Kimi Räikkönen (with wins in 2004, 2005, 2007 and 2009), Sebastian Vettel (with wins in 2011, 2013 and 2018), Charles Leclerc (who won in 2019) and Daniel Ricciardo (who won in 2014) for whom this race was also a 200th Grand Prix start.[17][18]

Tyre choices

edit

Sole tyre supplier Pirelli allocated the C2, C3, and C4 compounds of tyre to be used in the race.[19]

Penalties

edit

After causing collisions at the previous race, Valtteri Bottas and Lance Stroll each received a five-place grid penalty for the Grand Prix.[20][21]

Practice

edit

Free practice 1 took place on 27 August at 11:30 CEST and ended without major incident. Yuki Tsunoda and Kimi Räikkönen spun at La Source in separate incidents.[22] Räikkönen also hit the inside pit wall, ending his session.[23] Charles Leclerc ran wide at turn 7, but was able to recover without incident.[24] The Mercedes of Valtteri Bottas was fastest, followed by Red Bull Racing's Max Verstappen, and Scuderia AlphaTauri's Pierre Gasly.[25] Championship leader Lewis Hamilton finished in 18th,[26] after his lap was impeded by a slow Nicholas Latifi.[27]

Free practice 2 took place at 15:00 CEST on the same day. The session was interrupted by two incidents, both resulting in red flags. First, Leclerc lost control over the rear end on the exit of Les Combes and crashed into the wall, ending his session.[28] Verstappen had an incident at Malmedy, also losing control of the rear and hitting the wall. Esteban Ocon also spun, but was able to recover and return to the pits. Verstappen finished fastest, with Bottas in second and Hamilton in third.[29]

Free practice 3 took place on 28 August at 12:00 CEST.[30] The final practice session ended with no major incidents, but saw many drivers sliding off the track. Bottas, Nikita Mazepin, George Russell, Sebastian Vettel, and Carlos Sainz Jr. all went off during FP3. Räikkönen finished his session early when his brakes failed—he managed to recover to the pits but didn't come back out.[31] Gasly also spun.[32] The Red Bulls took first and second, with Verstappen beating teammate Pérez, while Hamilton finished third.[33]

Qualifying

edit

Qualifying took place on 28 August and was due to start at 15:00 CEST.[30] Due to extreme rainfall, the start was delayed to 15:12.[34] Everyone started on the full wet tyres, except for George Russell and Nicholas Latifi, who were first and second after the first qualifying laps. Everyone then fitted the intermediate tyres. The first session ended with Lando Norris in first, Max Verstappen in second, and Lewis Hamilton in third. Nikita Mazepin, Kimi Räikkönen, Mick Schumacher, Yuki Tsunoda, and Antonio Giovinazzi were eliminated from the remainder of qualifying.[35]

All drivers completed the second session on intermediate tyres. Norris once again was first, with Hamilton second and Valtteri Bottas third. Lance Stroll, Fernando Alonso, Carlos Sainz Jr., Nicholas Latifi, and Charles Leclerc were eliminated from the remainder of qualifying.[36] The third segment of qualifying started with worsening rain. Immediately, drivers were calling for a delayed session or red flag.[37] Norris soon aquaplaned at Eau Rouge resulting in a heavy crash at Raidillon and a red flag.[38] Sebastian Vettel stopped at the scene to check on Norris after complaining over the radio about the dangerous conditions.[39] Verstappen took pole on his final lap, with George Russell in second, and Hamilton third.[40] Russell secured Williams Racing's first front row start since the 2017 Italian Grand Prix, and equalled his career-best start, it remained his best start until he achieved pole at the 2022 Hungarian Grand Prix. Norris was cleared for Sunday's race after precautionary checks and an X-ray following his Q3 crash.[41] After the Grand Prix, race director Michael Masi admitted it was a mistake to let the third segment of qualifying start on time.[42]

Qualifying classification

edit
Pos. No. Driver Constructor Qualifying times Final
grid
Q1 Q2 Q3
1 33 Netherlands  Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing-Honda 1:58.717 1:56.559 1:59.765 1
2 63 United Kingdom  George Russell Williams-Mercedes 1:59.864 1:56.950 2:00.086 2
3 44 United Kingdom  Lewis Hamilton Mercedes 1:59.218 1:56.229 2:00.099 3
4 3 Australia  Daniel Ricciardo McLaren-Mercedes 2:01.583 1:57.127 2:00.864 4
5 5 Germany  Sebastian Vettel Aston Martin-Mercedes 2:00.175 1:56.814 2:00.935 5
6 10 France  Pierre Gasly AlphaTauri-Honda 2:00.387 1:56.440 2:01.164 6
7 11 Mexico  Sergio Pérez Red Bull Racing-Honda 1:59.334 1:56.886 2:02.112 7
8 77 Finland  Valtteri Bottas Mercedes 1:59.870 1:56.295 2:02.502 131
9 31 France  Esteban Ocon Alpine-Renault 2:01.824 1:57.354 2:03.513 8
10 4 United Kingdom  Lando Norris McLaren-Mercedes 1:58.301 1:56.025 No time 152
11 16 Monaco  Charles Leclerc Ferrari 2:00.728 1:57.721 N/A 9
12 6 Canada  Nicholas Latifi Williams-Mercedes 2:00.966 1:58.056 N/A 10
13 55 Spain  Carlos Sainz Jr. Ferrari 2:01.184 1:58.137 N/A 11
14 14 Spain  Fernando Alonso Alpine-Renault 2:01.653 1:58.205 N/A 12
15 18 Canada  Lance Stroll Aston Martin-Mercedes 2:01.597 1:58.231 N/A 191
16 99 Italy  Antonio Giovinazzi Alfa Romeo Racing-Ferrari 2:02.306 N/A N/A 14
17 22 Japan  Yuki Tsunoda AlphaTauri-Honda 2:02.413 N/A N/A 16
18 47 Germany  Mick Schumacher Haas-Ferrari 2:03.973 N/A N/A 17
19 7 Finland  Kimi Räikkönen Alfa Romeo Racing-Ferrari 2:04.452 N/A N/A PL3
20 9 Russian Automobile Federation  Nikita Mazepin[b] Haas-Ferrari 2:04.939 N/A N/A 18
107% time: 2:06.582
Source:[44][45]
Notes

Race

edit

Race report

edit

Start delays

edit

The race was due to start at 15:00 CEST on 29 August but was delayed multiple times due to persistent rain.[30] Sergio Pérez was initially not expected to start the race after he crashed on his way to the grid.[48] However, despite the FIA race director Michael Masi initially suggesting to the contrary, Pérez was allowed by race officials to join the race after the Red Bull Racing mechanics were able to repair Pérez's car during the delay following the first red flag.[49] A first attempt was made to start the race at 15:25 CEST, with two formation laps (that did not count towards a race classification) being completed behind the safety car before the starting procedure was suspended with cars queueing in the pit lane, in line with the regulations.[50] At 17:00 CEST, the stewards used the powers given to them under article 11.9.3.o of the 2021 edition of the FIA International Sporting Code (which allowed the stewards to permanently or temporarily stop an event) to suspend the race clock on grounds of force majeure.[51][52][53]

Race start and finish

edit

After over three hours of delays and suspended starts, at 18:17 CEST the race officially commenced from the pit lane and two more laps were completed under the safety car, with these laps being considered as race laps by race control, which allowed for the results to be classified and half points to be awarded.[54] During the third lap, the race was suspended again and the race not resumed. The race result was taken after the first lap, in compliance with Formula One regulations which required a two-lap countback.[55] Max Verstappen was declared the race winner (scoring his 16th career F1 win and sixth win of the season as a result)[56] ahead of George Russell in second and Lewis Hamilton third.[57][58][59] The remaining points scorers were Daniel Ricciardo in fourth, Sebastian Vettel in fifth, Pierre Gasly in sixth, Esteban Ocon in seventh, Charles Leclerc in eighth, Nicholas Latifi in ninth and Carlos Sainz Jr. in tenth.[60] Verstappen's win was Red Bull Racing's fourth Belgian Grand Prix win and their first at the venue since Ricciardo's 2014 win as well as the first F1 win at Spa for a Honda powered car since the 1991 event.[61] With only a single official lap completed, and an official completed distance of 6.880 km (4.275 mi), it is the shortest ever race in the history of the sport, eclipsing the previous records set in terms of kilometres of distance covered at the 1991 Australian Grand Prix (which was raced over 52.920 km (32.883 mi) and 14 laps)[62] and in terms of official lap count at the 1971 German Grand Prix (which lasted 12 laps).[63] For the sixth time in Formula One history and for the first time since the 2009 Malaysian Grand Prix, half points were awarded.[64] Russell's second place was his first career podium and the first for the Williams Racing team since Lance Stroll finished third for the team at the 2017 Azerbaijan Grand Prix.[65] Stroll finished this race 18th on the road but was classified in 20th, having been handed a 10-second time penalty for a rear wing change under parc fermé conditions during the first red flag period. This promoted Kimi Räikkönen to 18th and Pérez to 19th. Charles Leclerc was investigated for a change of tyres during the start delays but was not penalised as the change was quickly reversed.[66] As of 2022, this race is the only World Championship Grand Prix where there is no officially recognised fastest lap.[67] This was the eleventh Formula One World Championship Grand Prix where there were no retirements during the race,[68] and the 12th World Championship Grand Prix to finish under the safety car.[69]

Race classification

edit
Pos. No. Driver Constructor Laps Time/Retired Grid Points1
1 33 Netherlands  Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing-Honda 1 3:27.071 1 12.5
2 63 United Kingdom  George Russell Williams-Mercedes 1 +1.995 2 9
3 44 United Kingdom  Lewis Hamilton Mercedes 1 +2.601 3 7.5
4 3 Australia  Daniel Ricciardo McLaren-Mercedes 1 +4.496 4 6
5 5 Germany  Sebastian Vettel Aston Martin-Mercedes 1 +7.479 5 5
6 10 France  Pierre Gasly AlphaTauri-Honda 1 +10.177 6 4
7 31 France  Esteban Ocon Alpine-Renault 1 +11.579 8 3
8 16 Monaco  Charles Leclerc Ferrari 1 +12.608 9 2
9 6 Canada  Nicholas Latifi Williams-Mercedes 1 +15.484 10 1
10 55 Spain  Carlos Sainz Jr. Ferrari 1 +16.166 11 0.5
11 14 Spain  Fernando Alonso Alpine-Renault 1 +20.590 12
12 77 Finland  Valtteri Bottas Mercedes 1 +22.414 13
13 99 Italy  Antonio Giovinazzi Alfa Romeo Racing-Ferrari 1 +24.163 14
14 4 United Kingdom  Lando Norris McLaren-Mercedes 1 +27.109 15
15 22 Japan  Yuki Tsunoda AlphaTauri-Honda 1 +28.329 16
16 47 Germany  Mick Schumacher Haas-Ferrari 1 +29.507 17
17 9 Russian Automobile Federation  Nikita Mazepin[b] Haas-Ferrari 1 +31.993 18
18 7 Finland  Kimi Räikkönen Alfa Romeo Racing-Ferrari 1 +36.054 PL
19 11 Mexico  Sergio Pérez Red Bull Racing-Honda 1 +38.205 PL2
20 18 Canada  Lance Stroll Aston Martin-Mercedes 1 +44.1083 19
Fastest lap: None recognised[3]
Source:[45][70]
Notes
  • ^1 – Half points were awarded, as less than 75% of the race distance was completed.[70][c]
  • ^2 – Sergio Pérez's grid position was left vacant due to an accident that occurred when he was making his way to the grid. Once his mechanics repaired his car, he was allowed to start the race from the pit lane.[71]
  • ^3 – Lance Stroll finished 18th on track, but received a post-race 10-second time penalty for a rear wing change during the red flag period.[70]

Post-race reactions

edit

In addition to admitting to making mistakes on qualifying day, Masi also faced criticism from drivers, teams and media for how he ran the race. On race day, due to poor weather and after numerous delays, Masi made the decision to run two full laps behind the safety car before abandoning the race on the third lap, which Masi said was a genuine attempt to go racing.[72] Media and drivers criticised Masi's decision to hold two laps under the safety car in still-raining conditions,[73][74][75] with seven-time World Champion Hamilton calling the race "a farce" and criticised, among others, the alleged attempt to fulfill the requirements for awarding points. They argued that points should never have been awarded.[76] Sebastian Vettel,[77] Fernando Alonso,[78] and Alfa Romeo Racing[79] criticised the decision to award half points for the race.[80][81] Daniel Ricciardo defended the decision to do so,[82] as did Red Bull's Pérez.[83] Ricciardo's McLaren teammate Lando Norris was left conflicted by the FIA's decision to award points since this benefited his fellow driver but thought it was not a race "deserving of points".[84] Verstappen commented that it was not "the way you want to win".[85] Russell was pleased to achieve his first Formula One podium despite the unusual circumstances, saying: "You don't get rewarded for this very often." He added that he had been rewarded for a strong qualifying on Saturday, whilst also sympathising with, and apologising to, the attending fans for the lack of action in the Grand Prix itself.[86] Despite his driver winning the event, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner felt the decision to award points was not right.[87] Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff called the decision to award half points "annoying".[88]

Hamilton and Carlos Sainz Jr. called for spectators who bought tickets to be refunded.[89] Hamilton stated his belief that Formula One had "made a bad choice" to complete two full laps behind the safety car before abandoning the race, alleging this was done purely to ensure Formula One fulfilled its commercial obligations.[90] Formula One Group CEO Stefano Domenicali quickly rejected these claims.[91] Haas F1 team principal Guenther Steiner suggested the criteria for awarding half points was possibly becoming outdated and needed updating.[92] Pundit Scott Mitchell was also of the opinion that fans who attended the race deserve compensation, and that Formula One risked alienating some of its fanbase if it did not refund ticket holders in some way.[93] In September 2021 Formula One and the race promoters then announced in a statement they would begin working on options for ticket holders following the race's suspension.[94] However, despite this initial statement, in December 2021, it was announced that the race promoters would not refund ticketholders, and offer race attendees free passes for F1TV and the chance to be entered into a prize draw to win tickets to the 2022 Belgian Grand Prix.[95][96] Two-time world champion Mika Häkkinen defended the decisions made by officials during the event.[97] Scuderia AlphaTauri driver Pierre Gasly stated that Formula One needed to find a solution in order to reduce the amount of spray Grand Prix cars produce in wet conditions to improve driver visibility.[98] Pirelli's head of motorsport Mario Isola said he felt the sport's decision to move to wider tyres from the 2017 season onwards was a contributing factor to drivers having more visibility problems in wet conditions, as they disperse more water compared to pre-2017 tyres.[99] Vettel and Alonso dismissed the notion that the FIA was being overcautious with safety, citing the modern aerodynamics of the cars, downforce levels and wide Pirelli tyres that had made visibility worse when driving in wet weather – with races such as the 2007 Japanese Grand Prix (a race Vettel, Hamilton, Räikkönen, and Alonso all took part in) conducted over a full distance in arguably worse heavy rain conditions than those seen in at Spa.[100] Adam Cooper of Autosport felt that the two lap requirement – a requirement which had been in use since between the 1977 and 1980 seasons and long pre-dated the official introduction of the safety car in Formula One was "a ticking time bomb that exploded" during race day events at Spa.[101]

1992 world champion Nigel Mansell said that if he had been in charge of running the race, he would have relaxed parc fermé conditions for a wet race to allow teams to make needed set-up changes to make the cars driveable in tricky conditions.[102] 1996 world champion and 22-time Grand Prix winner Damon Hill called the Grand Prix "a parade, not a race".[103] Fellow former F1 drivers Pedro de la Rosa and Hans Joachim Stuck said that races would have started under such conditions in the past, with De la Rosa stating the sport had reduced its risk threshold compared to what was acceptable 10 or 15 years ago.[104] Russell's performance in qualifying was praised and considered the high point of the weekend by pundits Edd Straw and Scott Mitchell.[105][106] Journalist David Tremayne also praised Russell's performance, suggesting it was an indication that he was ready to step up to Mercedes seat for the 2022 season.[107] F1TV's Lawrence Barretto and Will Buxton felt that while it was a difficult decision to abandon the race, the FIA had no choice but to shorten the race for safety reasons, and praised fans for their perseverance.[108] Journalist Mark Hughes was critical of the decision to run two full laps behind the safety car, believing that doing so called into question the sport's "better values"; he suggested there was an undercurrent of cynicism from F1 bosses towards the fans, which he believed did not create a good image for the sport.[109] However, fellow journalist Joe Saward in his blog stated that he felt the FIA handled the situation as best they could within the parameters of the regulations even if the scenario was not ideal, noting the fans suffered.[110]

Journalist Josh Suttil considered the events at the race to be Formula One's biggest race-day debacle since the 2005 United States Grand Prix (where 14 cars withdrew at the end of the formation lap due to tyre safety concerns, leaving six cars in the race).[111][112] Gary Anderson, Formula One pundit and former F1 technical director, and Martin Brundle, former F1 driver-turned-commentator, suggested that the race would have been better if cars had been running in virtual safety car conditions. Brundle also mentioned the idea of F1 possibly introducing 'slow zones', where a speed limit is imposed on part of the track.[113][114] Anderson also proposed that the criteria for half-points should be extended going forward to require that at least 50% of the original scheduled race distance be run, without changing the current distance requirement for full points (75% of scheduled distance complete). He included the additional stipulation that at least 25% of the laps completed before race-end must be done under green flag conditions for a race to be considered eligible for points-scoring of any kind.[115] In January 2022, Anderson wrote: "Spa was also a disgrace. How can half-points be awarded after three laps behind a safety car? The official result was based on just one lap of that!"[116] Journalist Luke Smith also advocated changing rules whilst saying the podium celebrations of Verstappen and Russell in particular were "tone deaf", and contrasted them to Hamilton's restrained reaction.[117] GPFans.com called it a "step backwards for F1" with their pundit Ian Parkes saying "F1 must take us for fools" in response to the claim that there had been a genuine attempt to go racing. Parkes was also critical of the general confusion surrounding rules on race day, such as whether Sergio Pérez could join the race after his pre-race crash, or when exactly the race itself and the race clock had been deemed to have started.[118] F1 managing director Ross Brawn described the events at Spa as "a challenging day", whilst praising Russell's performance.[119]

Clarification of race management

edit

The Formula One regulations at the time of the race mandated that a minimum of two laps must be completed to award any points.[76] Masi stated there was a genuine attempt to race under green-flag conditions before the rain got worse, and Hamilton said that "money talks".[120] The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile noted that it was "impractical" to delay the race until the following day.[121][122] There was post-race confusion as to whether points would be awarded given that the classification showed one was completed, but the regulations stated that a minimum of two laps must be completed for a race to be eligible for points. Masi clarified that race was eligible for points as, "three laps were completed ... The third lap was completed when cars crossed the control line in the [pit lane] ... And then the classification for points is taken on the penultimate lap before the lap the signal was given [, the end of the first lap]."[123]

Regulation changes

edit

Formula One Management stated in the race aftermath that it intended to have discussions with the teams and the FIA regarding changes to sporting regulations to prevent such an occurrence from happening again.[124] The proposed changes would attempt to formulate a more satisfactory minimum requirement for a classification to be achieved than was required under the 2021 rules, as well as discussing the possibility of written provisions in the rules enabling race organisers to reschedule a race if it were unsuitable to run the race on its original date.[125] After one of the races of the 2021 Sochi Formula 3 round had its start time changed due to poor weather, Masi suggested that Formula One could adopt a similar rule to reduce the chances of having to abandon a race for bad weather.[126][127] In January 2022, McLaren CEO Zak Brown cited the aborted Spa race, alongside the last minute cancellation of the 2020 Australian Grand Prix and the controversial restart at the subsequent 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, as signs that the FIA had suffered organisational and rule-making problems for a significant period of time which needed to urgently be resolved.[128]

At a Formula One Commission meeting held in October 2021, changes concerning how points are awarded were discussed.[129] The commission then recommended that the matter be discussed further at the next meeting of the FIA's Sporting Advisory Committee to set out proposals for regulatory and procedural changes regarding the awarding of points at shortened races.[130][131] Any changes agreed upon by the Sporting Advisory Committee were required to then go to the FIA's World Motorsport Council for final ratification.[132][133] In response to the race, Formula One started research into how to improve wet weather racing, looking at possibility of redesigning the cars to reduce spray whilst also preventing aquaplaning.[134] In February 2022, the Formula One Commission approved rule changes, ahead of the start of the 2022 championship: the new points scoring criteria for shortened races was introduced.[135][136] Although this was intended to be applied to all races which had not reached full distance, a clarification at the 2022 Japanese Grand Prix - where most of the paddock expected partial points to be awarded, but full points were given after 28 of 53 laps were completed - meant that changed rule only applied to races that were suspended and could not be restarted.[137] The wording of this regulation was amended for 2023 to ensure that the amount of points awarded was dictated purely by the percentage of full race distance covered irrespective of whether a race ends under red or green flag condition- thereby fulfilling the original intention behind introducing a gradual scale points system for shortened races.[138] Starting in the 2022 season, Formula One began exploring the possibility of introducing wet-weather specific wheel arches to improve visibility and with it the raceability of cars in wet conditions. This is timetabled to be introduced in midway through the 2023 season, or in time for the start of the 2024 season.[139] As of July 2023 this is in the testing and development stage. Furthermore, in February 2023 Pirelli announced its intention to introduce a new, more raceable full wet tyre compound which they planned to have ready and available for use for the ultimately cancelled 2023 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix onwards and this tyre has subsequently entered service as of the 2023 Monaco Grand Prix. In 2023, George Russell stated that the wheel-arches were years away and reiterated that Pirelli full wet tyres remained largely unsuited to green flag racing even two years on from the Spa 2021 fiasco.[140] Pirelli have responded to this continued criticism by proposing the introduction of a third wet weather (colloqially dubbed a "super-intermediate" tyre by RaceFans) possibly to serve as an in-between step between the existing Intermediate and Full Wet tyres in an attempt to give drivers an opportunity to go at racing speed in wetter conditions.[141] Pirelli has also suggested that proposed tyre could also replace the existing Full Wet and Intermediate tyres with Mario Isola suggesting that Pirelli's newly proposed wet tyre showed improved performance and grip and able to work across a wider window of track wetness and grip compared to existing 2023 range of tyres following testing of these prototype tyres at Fiorano and Paul Ricard. Isola also stated his belief that moving to single wet tyre compound would be more cost effective.[142] A sprayguard design was tested by Oscar Piastri and Mick Schumacher following the 2023 British Grand Prix.[143] However, this was deemed not successful with Ben Anderson and Scott Mitchell-Malm writing for The Race remarking the spray guard idea could be indefinitely delayed or abandoned.[144] In May 2024 Ferrari tested a revised spray guard design on their at the Fiorano Circuit. This design was reported as being 'more aggressive' than the design trialled in 2023.[145] Following this test the FIA decided to abandon the idea of spray guards altogether.[146]

Championship standings after the race

edit
  • Note: Only the top five positions are included for both sets of standings.

See also

edit

Notes

edit
  1. ^ At the start of the event Formula One planned to hold twenty-three Grands Prix.[1]
  2. ^ a b Nikita Mazepin is Russian, but he competed as a neutral competitor using the designation RAF (Russian Automobile Federation), as the Court of Arbitration for Sport upheld a ban on Russia competing at World Championships. The ban was implemented by the World Anti-Doping Agency in response to the state-sponsored doping program of Russian athletes.[43]
  3. ^ Results have been calculated in accordance with Article 51.14 of the FIA Formula One Sporting Regulations, namely at the end of lap 1 being the penultimate lap before the lap during which the signal to suspend the race was given. However, for the determination of points, Article 6.5 is applicable, the leader having crossed the Control Line 3 times, therefore complying with the requirement for the leader to have completed more than 2 laps in order for half points to be awarded.[70]

References

edit
  1. ^ Smith, Luke (28 August 2021). "Formula 1 reveals updated 2021 calendar, drops to 22 races". Autosport. Retrieved 28 August 2021.
  2. ^ "Formula 1 announces TV, race attendance and digital audience figures for 2021". Formula1.com. 17 February 2022. Retrieved 17 February 2022.
  3. ^ a b c Connelly, Garry; Holter, Felix; Warwick, Derek; Bacquelaine, Yves (29 August 2021). "2021 Belgian Grand Prix – Final Race Classification" (PDF). FIA.com. Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile. p. 2. Archived (PDF) from the original on 29 August 2021. Retrieved 30 August 2021.
  4. ^ "New tyres, wet weather bodykit testing and DRS zone changes discussed in first F1 Commission meeting of 2023". Retrieved 26 March 2023.
  5. ^ "Pirelli mystified as F1 teams reject chance to race blanket-free inters". 20 June 2023.
  6. ^ "The 'pointless' problem that ruins wet F1 races". www.youtube.com. The Race Media via Youtube. Retrieved 7 August 2023.
  7. ^ "Belgium 2021". Statsf1.com. Stats F1. Retrieved 11 April 2022.
  8. ^ "What's the weather forecast for the 2021 F1 Belgian Grand Prix?". Crash. 26 August 2021. Archived from the original on 26 August 2021. Retrieved 27 August 2021.
  9. ^ "Mick Schumacher Q&A: Belgian Grand Prix". Haas F1 Team. 24 August 2021. Archived from the original on 25 August 2021. Retrieved 26 August 2021.
  10. ^ "McLaren's Lando Norris says Hungary DNF blotted 'almost perfect' first half of season as he prays for rain in Spa". Formula1. 26 August 2021. Archived from the original on 26 August 2021. Retrieved 26 August 2021.
  11. ^ "Nikita Mazepin Q&A: Belgian Grand Prix". Haas F1 Team. 24 August 2021. Archived from the original on 25 August 2021. Retrieved 26 August 2021.
  12. ^ "FIA intervene with new rule to slow down pit stops". www.planetf1.com. Planet F1. 25 June 2021. Archived from the original on 25 June 2021. Retrieved 25 June 2021.
  13. ^ Woodhouse, Jamie (25 June 2021). "FIA intervene to slow down pit stops with new ruling". PlanetF1. Retrieved 10 September 2021.
  14. ^ "New F1 pitstop rules changed and delayed". The Race. 18 July 2021. Retrieved 10 September 2021.
  15. ^ "Hungary 2021 – Championship". StatsF1. 1 August 2021. Archived from the original on 18 July 2021. Retrieved 27 August 2021.
  16. ^ "2021 Belgian Grand Prix – Entry List" (PDF). Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile. 26 August 2021. Retrieved 26 August 2021.
  17. ^ "Grand Prix Belgium- Wins-STATS F1". STATS F1. Retrieved 22 January 2022.
  18. ^ Woodhouse, Jamie (24 August 2021). "Ricciardo excited for landmark race at Belgian GP". www.planetf1.com. Planet F1. Retrieved 24 August 2021.
  19. ^ Noble, Jonathan (19 February 2021). "Pirelli unveils tyre choices for 2021 F1 season". Autosport. Motorsport Network. Retrieved 27 August 2021.
  20. ^ a b Smith, Luke (1 August 2021). "Bottas handed grid penalty for Belgian GP after Hungary crash". Autosport. Archived from the original on 1 August 2021. Retrieved 26 August 2021.
  21. ^ a b "Stroll also handed penalty after opening lap crash in Hungary". RacingNews365. 1 August 2021. Archived from the original on 26 August 2021. Retrieved 26 August 2021.
  22. ^ "Raikkonen and Tsunoda spin at La Source". Formula 1. 27 August 2021. Archived from the original on 27 August 2021. Retrieved 27 August 2021.
  23. ^ "2021 Belgian GP FP1: Räikkönen hits the pit wall at Spa-Francorchamps". Formula 1. 27 August 2021. Archived from the original on 27 August 2021. Retrieved 27 August 2021.
  24. ^ Benson, Andrew (27 August 2021). "Bottas top in Belgium first practice". BBC Sport. Retrieved 27 August 2021.
  25. ^ "2021 Belgian Grand Prix FP1 report and highlights: Bottas leads Verstappen in damp first practice session at Spa". Formula1. 27 August 2021. Archived from the original on 27 August 2021. Retrieved 27 August 2021.
  26. ^ Kalinauckas, Alex (27 August 2021). "F1 Belgian GP: Bottas tops FP1 from Verstappen, Hamilton only 18th". Autosport. Archived from the original on 27 August 2021. Retrieved 27 August 2021.
  27. ^ Gomes, Arpit (27 August 2021). "Watch: Hamilton Narrowly Avoids Huge Crash With Williams F1 Driver During Spa Free Practice". EssentiallySports. Archived from the original on 27 August 2021. Retrieved 27 August 2021.
  28. ^ "2021 Belgian GP FP2: Leclerc crash at Turn 6 brings out red flags". Formula 1. 27 August 2021. Archived from the original on 27 August 2021. Retrieved 27 August 2021.
  29. ^ Benson, Andrew (27 August 2021). "Verstappen tops practice despite crash". BBC Sport. Retrieved 27 August 2021.
  30. ^ a b c "Belgian Grand Prix 2021 – F1 Race". Formula1. Archived from the original on 25 January 2021. Retrieved 24 August 2021.
  31. ^ "2021 Belgian GP FP3: Drivers slip and slide at start of wet final practice". Formula 1. Retrieved 30 August 2021.
  32. ^ "2021 Belgian GP FP3: Gasly spins at Turn 14". Formula 1. Retrieved 30 August 2021.
  33. ^ "(FP3) Third Practice Results – 2021 Belgian Grand Prix". FormulaSpy. 28 August 2021. Retrieved 30 August 2021.
  34. ^ "Belgian GP qualifying has been delayed". RacingNews365. 28 August 2021. Retrieved 30 August 2021.
  35. ^ "@F1 on Twitter – CLASSIFICATION: Q1". Twitter. Archived from the original on 28 August 2021. Retrieved 30 August 2021.
  36. ^ "@F1 on Twitter – CLASSIFICATION: Q2". Twitter. Archived from the original on 28 August 2021. Retrieved 30 August 2021.
  37. ^ Valantine, Henry (28 August 2021). "Sebastian Vettel: Masi 'not proud' of Q3 red flag situation". PlanetF1. Retrieved 30 August 2021.
  38. ^ "Watch: McLaren's Lando Norris walks away after dramatic Eau Rouge-Raidillon crash in Belgian GP qualifying". Formula1.com. Retrieved 30 August 2021.
  39. ^ "2021 Belgian GP Qualifying: Vettel stops to check Norris is ok after crash". Formula 1.com. Formula One Management. 28 August 2021. Retrieved 16 January 2022.
  40. ^ Duncan, Phil; Slater, Luke (28 August 2021). "Max Verstappen denies George Russell pole in dramatic and wet Belgian GP qualifying". The Telegraph. ISSN 0307-1235. Retrieved 30 August 2021.
  41. ^ "Belgian GP: McLaren's Lando Norris cleared to race following checks after scary qualifying crash". Sky Sports. Retrieved 30 August 2021.
  42. ^ Cleeren, Filip (31 August 2021). "Masi admits starting Q3 at Spa was a mistake". Motorsport.com. Archived from the original on 31 August 2021. Retrieved 31 August 2021.
  43. ^ Luke Smith (5 February 2021). "Mazepin set to race under neutral flag after CAS ruling extends to F1". motorsport.com. Archived from the original on 5 February 2021. Retrieved 5 February 2021.
  44. ^ "Formula 1 Rolex Belgian Grand Prix 2021 – Qualifying". Formula1.com. 28 August 2021. Retrieved 28 August 2021.
  45. ^ a b "Formula 1 Rolex Belgian Grand Prix 2021 – Starting Grid". Formula1.com. 28 August 2021. Retrieved 28 August 2021.
  46. ^ "Norris to take 5-place grid penalty at Spa as McLaren confirm gearbox change after Q3 crash". Formula1.com. 28 August 2021. Retrieved 28 August 2021.
  47. ^ "Raikkonen set to start from pit lane at Spa after rear wing change". Formula1.com. 29 August 2021. Retrieved 29 August 2021.
  48. ^ Smith, Luke (29 August 2021). "Perez out of Belgian GP after crash on lap to the grid". Autosport. Archived from the original on 29 August 2021. Retrieved 29 August 2021.
  49. ^ Smith, Luke (29 August 2021). "Perez allowed to join Belgian GP from pitlane if car repaired during delay". www.motorsport.com. Motorsport Network. Retrieved 29 August 2021.
  50. ^ Mitchell, Scott (29 August 2021). "Belgian GP start suspended, Perez can race despite crash". The Race. The Race Media. Retrieved 21 January 2022.
  51. ^ "International Sporting Code" (PDF). Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile. 1 January 2021. p. 44.
  52. ^ "Belgian GP stewards push back time limit for the race after heavy rain delays running at Spa". Formula1. 29 August 2021. Archived from the original on 29 August 2021. Retrieved 7 December 2021.
  53. ^ Mitchell, Scott (29 August 2021). "F1 stewards use rare power to 'temporarily stop' Belgian GP". The Race. The Race Media. Retrieved 29 August 2021.
  54. ^ Smith, Luke (29 August 2021). "Belgian GP: Verstappen declared winner after two laps behind SC". www.motorsport.com. Motorsport Network. Retrieved 29 August 2021.
  55. ^ "Verstappen takes win and Russell first podium in shortest ever Grand Prix as heavy rain hits Spa". Formula1.com. Formula One Management. 29 August 2021. Retrieved 21 January 2022.
  56. ^ "Max Verstappen-Wins". www.statsf1.com. Stats F1. Retrieved 22 January 2022.
  57. ^ Benson, Andrew (29 August 2021). "Max Verstappen declared winner of aborted rain-hit Belgian Grand Prix". BBC Online. BBC Sport. Retrieved 29 August 2021.
  58. ^ Mitchell, Scott (29 August 2021). "Verstappen wins Belgian GP with no racing and half points awarded". The Race. The Race Media. Retrieved 21 January 2022.
  59. ^ Foster, Michelle (29 August 2021). "Race: Verstappen wins the farce that was the Belgian GP". www.planetf1.com. Planet F1. Retrieved 29 August 2021.
  60. ^ Walsh, Fergal (29 August 2021). "Verstappen wins farcical two-lap Belgian GP for half points". www.motorsportweek.com. Motorsport Week. Retrieved 29 August 2021.
  61. ^ "Belgian GP-ChicaneF1". www.chicanef1.com. ChicaneF1. Retrieved 22 January 2022.
  62. ^ "Grand Prix -Kms Less". www.statsf1.com. Stats F1. Retrieved 23 January 2022.
  63. ^ "Stats F1-Laps- The Less". Stats F1. Retrieved 23 January 2022.
  64. ^ Gale, Ewan (29 August 2021). "F1 races where half points were awarded". www.gpfans.com. GP Fans. Retrieved 29 August 2021.
  65. ^ "'A podium is a podium' – Capito thrilled with Williams' first top 3 result since 2017, despite bizarre circumstances". Formula1.com. Retrieved 29 August 2021.
  66. ^ Horton, Phillip (29 August 2021). "Stroll gets time penalty in one-lap Belgian GP". Motorsport Week. Retrieved 29 August 2021.
  67. ^ Collantine, Keith (30 August 2021). "F1 breaks 30-year-old record for shortest-ever race". Race Fans. Retrieved 30 August 2021.
  68. ^ Kelly, Sean. "Belgium Grand Prix facts & stats: Spa marathon produces shortest race in F1 history". www.formula1.com. Formula One. Retrieved 29 August 2021.
  69. ^ "Statistics-Grands Prix-Misc-Completed under Safety Car". www.statsf1.com. Stats F1. Retrieved 17 July 2022.
  70. ^ a b c d "Formula 1 Rolex Belgian Grand Prix 2021 – Race Result". Formula1.com. 29 August 2021. Retrieved 29 August 2021.
  71. ^ "Red Bull performs miracle at Spa: Perez to start after crash on warm-up lap". GPblog.com. 29 August 2021. Retrieved 29 August 2021.
  72. ^ "'We did the best we could but the weather got the better of us' says Masi after red-flagged Belgian GP". Formula 1. Formula One Group. Archived from the original on 29 August 2021. Retrieved 12 January 2022. Interview archived at Wayback Machine: "F1 race director Michael Masi explains decision to run two lap race at Spa". Sky Sports F1. YouTube. 29 August 2021. Archived from the original on 29 August 2021. Retrieved 12 January 2022.
  73. ^ Horton, Phillip (29 August 2021). "Why the F1 Belgian Grand Prix Was the Most Absurd Race in Formula 1 History". Autoweek. Retrieved 21 January 2022.
  74. ^ Benson, Andrew (13 December 2021). "Formula 1: Where next for sport after Verstappen and Hamilton title drama?". BBC Sport. BBC. Retrieved 13 January 2022.
  75. ^ Brown, Maury (11 January 2022). "Lewis Hamilton's Return To F1 Reportedly Hinging On Outcome Of Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Inquiry". Forbes. Integrated Whale Media Investments. Retrieved 12 January 2022.
  76. ^ a b Richards, Giles (29 August 2021). "Max Verstappen declared winner of farcical Belgian GP as rain plays havoc". The Guardian. Retrieved 29 August 2021.
  77. ^ Straw, Edd; Suttill, Josh (29 August 2021). "Vettel: F1 awarding points for Belgian GP 'A joke'". The Race. The Race Media. Archived from the original on 29 August 2021. Retrieved 12 January 2022.
  78. ^ Noble, Jonathan (30 August 2021). "Alonso: Decision to award F1 points for Belgian GP 'shocking'". Autosport.com. Motorsport Network. Archived from the original on 30 August 2021. Retrieved 12 January 2022.
  79. ^ "Belgian GP – Team Statement". Sauber Group. Sauber Group/Alfa Romeo Racing. 30 August 2021. Archived from the original on 30 August 2021. Retrieved 12 January 2022.
  80. ^ Lakarm, Lewis (30 August 2021). "Fernando Alonso blasts F1's 'shocking' decision to award points at Belgian GP". Crash-Net. Crash Media. Archived from the original on 30 August 2021. Retrieved 12 January 2022.
  81. ^ Lakarm, Lewis (30 August 2021). "Alfa Romeo issues statement criticising F1's handling of shortened Belgian GP". Crash-Net. Crash Media. Archived from the original on 30 August 2021. Retrieved 12 January 2022.
  82. ^ Foster, Michelle (30 August 2021). "Ricciardo: Formula 1 made right call to award points". PlanetF1. Retrieved 30 August 2021.
  83. ^ Hall, Sam (31 August 2021). "Belgian GP points a just reward for Saturday risk takers – Perez". GP Fans. Retrieved 21 January 2022.
  84. ^ Cooper, Adam (30 August 2021). "Norris conflicted by decision to award F1 points in Belgian GP". Motorsport.com. Motorsport Network. Retrieved 30 August 2021.
  85. ^ Smith, Luke (29 August 2021). "Verstappen admits 'not how you want to win' Belgian GP". Autosport.com. Motorsport Network. Retrieved 29 August 2021.
  86. ^ "Russell delighted: 'You don't get rewarded for this very often'". GP Blog. 29 August 2021. Retrieved 29 August 2021.
  87. ^ Collantine, Keith; Rencken, Dieter (4 September 2021). "'Wrong to award points for a couple of laps behind the Safety Car' – Horner". RaceFans. Retrieved 21 January 2022.
  88. ^ Watson, Fraser (30 August 2021). "Mercedes boss Toto Wolff slams 'annoying' F1 decision after chaotic Belgian GP". www.express.co.uk. The Express Online. Retrieved 30 August 2021.
  89. ^ Wilde, Jon (31 August 2021). "Sainz joins Hamilton in call for fan refunds at Spa". PlanetF1. Retrieved 31 August 2021.
  90. ^ Smith, Luke (29 August 2021). "Hamilton: F1 'made a bad choice' running two laps, but 'money talks'". autosport.com. Motorsport Network. Retrieved 29 August 2021.
  91. ^ Cooper, Adam (29 August 2021). "F1 CEO Domenicali: No commercial pressure to start Belgian GP". Autosport.com. Motorsport Network. Retrieved 29 August 2021.
  92. ^ Dieter Rencken, Keith Collantine (2 September 2021). "F1's half points rule may be outdated – Steiner". Race Fans. Retrieved 2 September 2021.
  93. ^ Mitchell, Scott (September 2021). "The despondent fan stories that show the damage F1 risks". The Race. The Race Media. Retrieved 1 September 2021.
  94. ^ "Formula 1 and Belgian GP promoter 'working through options' for ticket holders after red-flagged race at Spa". Formula1.com. Retrieved 1 September 2021.
  95. ^ Valentine, Henry (21 December 2021). "No refunds for Belgian GP crowd despite washout". PlanetF1. Retrieved 21 December 2021.
  96. ^ "Spectators of cancelled Belgian GP do not get their money back". GPblog.com. Retrieved 21 December 2021.
  97. ^ Häkkinen, Mika. "Mika Häkkinen: "Forget the controversy FIA made the right call at Spa"". Unibet. Retrieved 31 August 2021.
  98. ^ Cooper, Adam (31 August 2021). "Gasly: F1 should address spray issue after poor visibility at Spa". Autosport.com. Motorsport Network. Retrieved 31 August 2021.
  99. ^ Collantine, Keith (October 2021). "F1's move to wider tyres worsened wet weather visibility – Pirelli". RaceFans. Retrieved 2 October 2021.
  100. ^ Jonathan Noble, Matt Kew (2 September 2021). "Cars and tyres, not caution, behind F1's inability to race in the wet". www.motorsport.com. Motosport Network. Retrieved 2 September 2021.
  101. ^ Cooper, Adam (1 September 2021). "How a 40-year-old rule turned F1 on its head at Spa". Autosport.com. Motorsport Network. Retrieved 15 July 2022.
  102. ^ Maher, Thomas (2 September 2021). "Mansell suggests how F1 could have gone racing in Belgium". RacingNews365. Retrieved 31 August 2021.
  103. ^ Chiu, Nigel (1 September 2021). "Hill: The Belgian GP was a parade not a race". RacingNews365. Retrieved 17 January 2022.
  104. ^ "Spa farce due to modern F1 culture says ex-drivers". Grandprix.com. Retrieved 1 September 2021.
  105. ^ Mitchell, Scott (30 August 2021). "Russell podium the least resentful result from F1's dark day". The Race. The Race Media. Retrieved 30 August 2021.
  106. ^ Straw, Edd (30 August 2021). "Edd Straw's 2021 Belgian Grand Prix driver ratings". The Race. The Race Media. Retrieved 30 August 2021.
  107. ^ Tremayne, David (31 August 2021). "Treymane: After Russell stole the show at Spa, can there be any doubt he's ready for next step?". Formula1.com. Retrieved 31 August 2021.
  108. ^ "Explained: Why was the 2021 Belgian Grand Prix cut short?". Formula1.com. Formula One Management. 29 August 2021. Retrieved 17 January 2022.
  109. ^ Hughes, Mark (30 August 2021). "Mark Hughes: Belgian GP casts doubt on F1's 'better values'". The Race. The Race Media. Retrieved 30 August 2021.
  110. ^ Saward, Joe. "Green Notebook from Tongerlo". www.wordpress.com. Joe Saward via WordPress. Retrieved 31 August 2021.
  111. ^ "'Worst since Indy '05' – Our verdict on a bizarre Belgian GP". The Race. 29 August 2021. Retrieved 29 August 2021.
  112. ^ Suttill, Josh (31 August 2021). "The other parallel the Belgian GP has with Indy '05 debacle". The Race. The Race Media. Retrieved 31 August 2021.
  113. ^ Brundle, Martin. "Martin Brundle: Reviewing and explaining the abandoned Belgian GP, and F1's need for 'rules reset'". Sky Sports. Retrieved 31 August 2021.
  114. ^ "'Worst since Indy '05' – our verdict on a bizarre Belgian GP". The Race. The Race Media. 29 August 2021. Retrieved 29 August 2021.
  115. ^ Anderson, Gary (2 September 2021). "Gary Anderson's blueprint for how to run a wet F1 Grand Prix". The Race. The Race Media. Retrieved 2 September 2021.
  116. ^ Anderson, Gary (16 January 2022). "Gary Anderson's FIA wishlist for 2022 F1 rule changes". The Race. The Race Media. Retrieved 16 January 2022.
  117. ^ Smith, Luke (30 August 2021). "Ten things we learned from the F1 Belgian Grand Prix". Motorsport.com. Motorsport Network. Retrieved 21 January 2022.
  118. ^ "Belgian GP verdict – a step backwards for F1". www.gpfans.com. GP Fans. 30 August 2021. Retrieved 30 August 2021.
  119. ^ Brawn, Ross (29 August 2021). "Feature: Ross Brawn on a challenging day at Spa, Russell's brilliance, and looking ahead to F1's return to Zandvoort". Formula1.com. Formula One. Retrieved 21 January 2022.
  120. ^ Galloway, James (30 August 2021). "Belgian GP: Lewis Hamilton claims 'money talks' after two laps before final red flag". Sky Sports. Retrieved 29 August 2021.
  121. ^ Smith, Luke (29 August 2021). "FIA: "No ability" to postpone Belgian GP until Monday". Autosport.com. Retrieved 30 August 2021.
  122. ^ Freeman, Glenn (29 August 2021). "FIA: Huge list of reasons Belgian GP couldn't run on Monday". The Race. Retrieved 30 August 2021.
  123. ^ Mitchell, Scott (29 August 2021). "Why one lap Belgian Grand Prix didn't stop points being awarded". The Race. The Race Media. Retrieved 29 August 2021.
  124. ^ Benson, Andrew (30 August 2021). "Belgian Grand Prix: F1 to make rule changes after aborted race". BBC. Retrieved 30 August 2021.
  125. ^ Noble, Jonathan (30 August 2021). "F1 set for talks over rule changes after Belgian GP 'farce'". Motorsport.com. Motorsport Network. Retrieved 30 August 2021.
  126. ^ Khorounzhiy, Valentin (28 September 2021). "FIA could routinely change F1 race start times to avoid rain". The Race. Archived from the original on 28 September 2021. Retrieved 28 September 2021.
  127. ^ Cooper, Adam (4 October 2021). "F1 and FIA set to discuss timetable revamp procedures". motorsport.com. Motorsport Network. Retrieved 4 October 2021.
  128. ^ Mitchell, Scott (17 January 2022). "F1 suffering from 'systematic issues' with rule making – Brown". The Race. The Race Media. Retrieved 17 January 2022.
  129. ^ Noble, Jonathan (31 August 2021). "F1 to discuss rule changes over Belgian GP 'farce' in October". motorsport.com. Motorsport Network. Retrieved 31 August 2021.
  130. ^ Foster, Michelle (14 October 2021). "F1 Commission wants 'options' to avoid a repeat of Spa 2021". PlanetF1. Retrieved 14 October 2021.
  131. ^ Medland, Chris (13 October 2021). "F1 Commission agrees to revisit race rules after Spa debacle". Racer. Retrieved 13 October 2021.
  132. ^ "F1 Commission discusses potential changes to Sporting Regulations in wake of shortened Belgian GP". Formula1.com. Retrieved 13 October 2021.
  133. ^ "F1 – FIA Formula 1 Commission – 13 October". FIA. 13 October 2021. Retrieved 13 October 2021.
  134. ^ Cooper, Adam (2 November 2021). "F1 begins research on wet weather racing solution". Motorsport.com. Motorsport Network. Retrieved 2 November 2021.
  135. ^ "F1 Commission approves changes to Sporting Regulations regarding points for shortened races". formula1. 14 February 2022. Retrieved 14 February 2022.
  136. ^ "FIA make changes to Safety Car rules ahead of 2022 F1 season start". Formula1. 16 March 2022. Retrieved 16 March 2022.
  137. ^ "Max Verstappen wins title: Christian Horner says F1 'mistake' was made with confusing Japanese GP points". Sky Sports. 10 October 2022. Retrieved 11 October 2022.
  138. ^ Collantine, Keith (21 February 2023). "F1 tweaks flawed points rule, eases radio restrictions and approves new rain tyres". www.racefans.net. Collantine Publishing. Archived from the original on 22 February 2023. Retrieved 21 February 2023.
  139. ^ Straw, Edd (24 November 2022). "F1 wheel arches motivated by scars of Spa 2021 fiasco". The Race. The Race Media. Retrieved 24 November 2022.
  140. ^ "Drivers critical of 'pointless' extreme wet tyres". Retrieved 6 August 2023 – via www.bbc.co.uk.
  141. ^ Collantine, Keith (3 August 2023). "Pirelli proposes new "super-intermediate" to address wet weather tyre problems". RaceFans. Retrieved 6 August 2023.
  142. ^ Cooper, Adam. "Why Pirelli is pushing for a "super intermediate" F1 wet tyre". www.motorsport.com. Motorsport Network. Retrieved 7 August 2023.
  143. ^ Straw, Edd. "First look at F1 prototype cars spray guards after initial test". www..the-race.com. The Race Media. Retrieved 22 July 2023.
  144. ^ Anderson, Ben; Michell-Malm, Scott. "Why F1's Spray Guard fix faces a lengthy delay-or abandonment". www.the-race.com. The Race Media Ltd. Retrieved 10 December 2023.
  145. ^ Elizalde, Pablo. "Ferrari trails more aggressive spray guards at Fiorano test". www.motorrsport.com. Motorsport Network. Retrieved 9 May 2024.
  146. ^ https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/thu-f1-abandons-rain-wheel-cover-idea-after-latest-test/10614051/#:~:text=The%20FIA%20has%20abandoned%20the,latest%20test%2C%20Autosport%20can%20reveal.&text=Ferrari%20recently%20helped%20the%20FIA,it%20could%20help%20reduce%20spray.
  147. ^ a b "Belgium 2021 – Championship". Stats F1. Retrieved 17 January 2022.
edit
Previous race:
2021 Hungarian Grand Prix 		FIA Formula One World Championship
2021 season 		Next race:
2021 Dutch Grand Prix
Previous race:
2020 Belgian Grand Prix 		Belgian Grand Prix Next race:
2022 Belgian Grand Prix
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2021_Belgian_Grand_Prix&oldid=1256092301"