The iconic Spa-Francorchamps circuit is once again at the centre of a safety storm following a rain-soaked Belgian Grand Prix that left drivers, teams, and fans questioning the FIA's wet weather protocols.
McLaren's Oscar Piastri emerged victorious in a race of attrition, but the real story was the hazardous conditions that saw multiple near-misses and raised serious concerns about the circuit's suitability for extreme weather.
Chaos in the Ardennes
The race began under heavy rain, with visibility reduced to near-zero on the high-speed Kemmel Straight. Several drivers reported aquaplaning incidents in the opening laps, prompting calls for a red flag that never came.
"We were driving blind for half the lap," said one midfield driver who asked not to be named. "At Eau Rouge, you're completely trusting the car ahead hasn't slowed unexpectedly."
Verstappen's Frustration
Red Bull's Max Verstappen, who started from pole, saw his race unravel with an uncharacteristic spin at Les Combes. The Dutchman recovered to finish fifth but was scathing in his post-race comments.
"This isn't racing - it's Russian roulette," Verstappen told reporters. "We need to be honest with ourselves about what's acceptable risk."
Piastri's Masterclass
Amid the chaos, Piastri delivered a composed drive to take his second career victory. The Australian's measured approach in the treacherous conditions contrasted sharply with more experienced rivals.
"I just tried to stay calm and pick my moments," Piastri said. "There were times when it felt like we shouldn't be out there, but the team gave me great information."
FIA Defends Decisions
Race director Niels Wittich defended the decision to continue racing, stating: "All our metrics showed conditions were within acceptable limits. Spa has unique challenges, but we monitor every sector constantly."
The controversy reignites debate about Spa's place on the calendar after similar concerns in 2021 led to that year's race being abandoned after two laps behind the safety car.
What Next for Spa?
With Spa's contract up for renewal, pressure is mounting for circuit modifications. Proposals include:
- Additional drainage in runoff areas
- Revised corner profiles at Blanchimont and Stavelot
- Enhanced weather monitoring systems
As the F1 circus moves on, the Belgian GP has left more questions than answers about how to balance spectacle with safety in motorsport's most demanding conditions.
