The British record world champion was third in Spa-Francorchamps, but he couldn't be happy about it.
Formula 1 fans stood in the pouring rain for hours on Sunday in Belgium. They did not get to see a real race, but Max Verstappen was still at the top of the podium and the Dutch national anthem was played. Hardly anyone was happy about the course of the day, and there are signs of a discussion about the regulations.
There were only half World Cup points, but even that was too much for some. After all, there was never a real Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps on Sunday. After a few alibi laps behind the safety car to fulfill the rule obligations, Verstappen (Red Bull) was crowned the winner ahead of George Russell (Williams) and Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes).
“The only losers are the fans”
The order of the Saturday after qualification was decisive. “There was no time when we could drive, there was no race. I don't understand the politics behind it,” said Lewis Hamilton, who at least kept his championship lead. The record world champion was annoyed on Instagram: “That was a farce and the only losers are the fans who paid good money to see us driving.”
And further: “Of course you can't do anything about the weather, but we have special equipment to tell us what is happening and it was clear that the weather was not getting any better. We were only sent out for one reason. Two laps behind a safety car without the chance of winning or losing a seat, or guaranteeing entertainment for the fans, is not a race. We should have just ended it so as not to endanger the drivers and to give the fans their money back. “
