Max Verstappen won the rain-hit Belgian Grand Prix on Sunday without racing even a single lap as half-points were awarded for only the sixth time in Formula One history.
SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, Belgium – Red Bull’s Max Verstappen won the rain-hit Belgian Grand Prix on Sunday without racing even a single lap as half-points were awarded for only the sixth time in Formula One history.
As a result of penalties and a poor qualifying session, Valtteri Bottas started the event in the midfield and therefore didn’t score points.
In contrast, his rival for the 2022 Mercedes seat George Russell started from second place on the grid in his Williams. Following his big crash, Lando Norris took a five-place grid penalty for replacing his gearbox and started in 15th.
After a 25 minute delay, the formation lap got under way. Pole-sitter Verstappen said the conditions were good enough to race, but all other drivers disagreed.
The drivers behind the man in the lead reported plenty of aquaplaning and there was an almighty amount of spray behind each car, making the possibility of driving around a circuit at speeds exceeding 200km/h reckless and dangerous.
After some three hours of waiting for the rain to subside, the race started from the pitlane and behind the safety car and was then stopped after completing the two laps required to award half points.
George Russell finished second for Williams, his first Formula One podium, with seven times world champion Lewis Hamilton third for Mercedes.
Hamilton’s overall lead over Verstappen was cut from eight points to three.
Reuters
