- The Belgian Grand Prix was ruined by rain. Only two laps, both behind a safety car, were completed.
- Max Verstappen, who started on pole, was declared the race winner and given 12.5 points.
- George Russell earned the first podium of his F1 career after a strong qualifying performance.
The Formula One Belgian Grand Prix was decimated by rain on a farcical day that saw the only action coming from behind a safety car.
With the race due to begin at 3 p.m. local time Sunday, the drivers did not take to the track until almost three hours later as the rain soaked the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps.
Max Verstappen, who earned pole position Saturday, led the drivers out behind the safety car but rain continued to fall as the convoy completed two laps — the minimum required for a race to be declared as finished, before the red flag was shown.
As the teams made their way to the grid for the original start time, conditions grew much worse than the previous day and the start was delayed by 20 minutes while the race stewards studied the weather forecasts. The radar did not make for positive readings and the first of many red flags was shown.
While the drivers tried to entertain themselves — including McLaren’s Daniel Ricciardo who orchestrated a Mexican wave — the Red Bull engineers worked hard on Sergio Perez’s car who crashed during one of the warm-up laps.
The long delay meant they were able to fix the Mexican’s car and as the race had not yet officially started, Perez was allowed to start from the back of the pit lane.
As less than 75 percent of the race was completed, half points were awarded meaning Max Verstappen cut the gap between himself and championship leader Lewis Hamilton to three points.
George Russell was rewarded for fine qualifying performance
Mark Thompson/Getty Images
The man nicknamed “Mr. Saturday” finally got his reward for a strong qualifying performance as George Russell earned the first podium of his career.
Competing in his 50th race, the Williams driver put in a remarkable lap during the final qualifying session to finish quicker than Lewis Hamilton, and earn himself second place on the grid.
With no chance for an overtake, Russell, who was driving a much less powerful Williams car, did not have to defend and was awarded nine points for his effort.
Elsewhere, Haas’ Nikita Mazepin earned the fastest lap award but as he did not finish in the top 10, he was not awarded the one extra point.
The Belgian Grand Prix is the first of a triple header with the drivers and teams reconvening for the Dutch Grand Prix. on September 5.