Nobody in the motorsport world will ever forget this day.
The drivers drove only ten minutes in Belgium - completely behind the safety car.
The voices of the Spa-Francorchamps farce.
Munich - Continuous rain slows Formula 1 *. Whilst capricious weather otherwise often ensures spectacular and varied races, next to nothing goes with the comeback of the premier class after the summer break in 2021. On the traditional race track in Spa-Francorchamps *, after more than three hours of waiting in the wet, the cars only spin a few laps behind the safety car in order to be able to award at least half World Championship points and record the race as completed.
For many viewers and participants, it must have felt like a farce.
The victory was easily secured by pole setter Max Verstappen * ahead of surprise man George Russell * and world championship leader Lewis Hamilton *.
Sebastian Vettel landed in fifth place.
But hardly anyone was really happy after this historic day with the shortest race in Formula 1 history.
We have summarized the votes.
+
Left out in the rain in the truest sense of the word: The spectators in Spa-Francorchamps waited in vain for racing action.
© John Thys / afp
Max Verstappen (Red Bull, race winner) on ...
... the short race:
“Of course it's a shame that we weren't able to do any real laps here.
The view was very poor.
This is a victory that you don't necessarily want. "
... the spectators on the track:
"Big compliments to the fans on the track, they are the real winners today."
George Russell (Williams, 2nd place) on ...
... the weather conditions:
“We're all in the same boat under these conditions.
It's a shame that we couldn't drive the race, but of course it's a great result. "
... his sensational podium place:
"We have invested so much work for three years and were finally able to implement it."
Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes, 3rd place) on ...
... the freezing and soaked fans:
“I was so sorry for the fans today.
They were amazing for sticking to the pole the whole time, hoping there would be another race.
I hope the fans get their money back for today. "
... the conditions:
“The cars have disappeared five meters in front of you, you haven't seen them anymore.
You didn't even see the lights.
It didn't work, you didn't know which part of the route the cars were on. "
+
Apologetic gesture: During the farce in Spa-Francorchamps, Sebastian Vettel thought of the spectators who persevered in the rain.
© KENZO TRIBOUILLARD / afp
Sebastian Vettel (Aston Martin, 5th place) on Sky about ...
... the fans and the weather:
“During the driver parade, you felt sorry for the people out there.
And then to sit there for another three hours under the conditions.
We can't do anything.
I was still in the front, but even then there was nothing to be seen, it just didn't stop raining. "
... the reasons for the late start:
“It was difficult, I think different interests play a role.
Our safety should always be the top concern.
The weather didn't get any better either.
It was probably the right decision. "
... his fifth place:
"I would have liked to have ridden in the rain because I think we could have made up ground."
Fernando Alonso (Alpine, 11th place) on Sky about ...
... the race:
“That wasn't a race at all, we just crept behind the safety car *.
That's sad.
The spectators were great all weekend. "
... the F1 rules:
“I also find it strange why there are points.
Why points when there was no race?
I couldn't fight for points at all. "
+
Also had no assignment: The Race Marshalls also had to hold out in the rain.
© KENZO TRIBOUILLARD / afp
Helmt Marko (Head of Red Bull Motorsport) on Sky over ...
... Verstappen's victory:
“We are not proud of this victory.
The organizers and those responsible tried everything to get the race over the stage.
But I don't think it's good that the audience was put off for so long.
It was not a pleasant racing day. "
... the lost points because of the significantly shortened race:
"We felt very strong here, but better two points behind (
in the World Championship standings, ed.
) than no points at all."
Toto Wolff (Mercedes team boss) at Sky on ...
... the F1 rules:
"If the regulations are like this, you have to take it on your chin and look to the next race."
... his conclusion:
“Of course we lost points.
Such are the regulations.
We will discuss (
with the race management, the editor
), but there is probably nothing to be done. "
Jost Capito (Williams team boss) on Sky about ...
... the unexpected second place from Russell:
“It's a little difficult.
On the one hand: You don't look a given horse in the mouth.
On the other hand, we laid the cornerstone yesterday.
It was the right thing to do here.
Everyone in the team is absolutely happy. "
... the importance of the podium:
“That makes you want more.
I told the team: Enjoy it - it probably won't come back anytime soon.
Hungary was already a motivation boost (
7th and 8th place, editor
) and seeing George on the podium gives another boost in motivation. "
... the F1 rules:
“Of course there are teams that have benefited and teams that have not.
That's racing, you can't influence the weather.
Such are the regulations. "
... Russell's upcoming move to Mercedes *:
"I think that with the last achievements that George has achieved, I would be very surprised if the decision (at Mercedes) did not turn out to be in favor of George."
(Mg) * tz .de is an offer from IPPEN.MEDIA