The start of the 2025 Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix has been delayed due to heavy rain at Spa-Francorchamps, with race control monitoring track conditions amid concerns over visibility and safety.
In the lead-up to the formation lap, the track was patchy — dry in some areas but wet in others — before heavy rain began to pour down across the circuit.
Race control confirmed it would be a rolling start if it was safe enough to get started, with every driver on the Intermediate tyres.
But as the Safety Car led the grid around for the formation lap, the starting procedure was suspended and the red flag was thrown due to the poor visibility with the spray.
“Most drivers have reported poor visibility during the formation lap, hence the red flag,” an FIA spokesperson explained.
Polesitter Lando Norris was the first to complain about the visibility as Max Verstappen was dumbfounded over the team radio with the decision to call such an early stoppage to the race.
More heavy rain is expected, according to the FIA weather radar, with a restart of the formation lap expected to be delayed for a while.
More to follow…
