2021 Belgian GP will go down as the shortest race, in terms of distance covered, in F1 history. The stewards called off the race after just two laps behind the safety car. FIA president Jean Todt has suggested that the sport needs cars that can be driven in heavy rain.
The sport garnered major criticism for their treatment in the Spa 2021. But Todt believes that the stewards made the right decision by calling off the race as opposed to starting the race, paving the way for major chaos.
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We would have been massacred: Todt on the handling of Belgian GP
As reported by Motorsport.com, the former Ferrari boss mentioned that sport needs to address the concerns regarding the current generation of cars. He stated he hopes that the new cars in 2022 and new engines rules in 2025 could enable cars to be driven in rain effectively.
“There were many who criticized what was decided at Spa [by not racing], but what would have happened if, after the start, we had had an accident with 10 cars that resulted in injured drivers or worse,” explained Todt.
Reuters
Formula One F1 – Belgian Grand Prix – Spa-Francorchamps, Spa, Belgium – August 29, 2021, General view of the safety car followed by Red Bull’s Max Verstappen REUTERS/Christian Hartmann
“We would have been massacred. And even without injuries, we would have been criticized. For the 2025 regulations, we must think about having cars that can be driven even in the rain.
“Do you remember [Niki] Lauda at Fuji in ’76? He was the only one of the drivers to give up racing in the rain. Today, every driver thinks as Lauda did then.” said Todt.
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I have no sympathy for this to be honest: Gerhard Berger
Former F1 driver and DTM Boss Gerhard Berger vehemently criticized Formula One for a shambolic display at the Belgian Grand Prix. He stated the sport should have let the drivers race in the rainy conditions at Spa.
“I have no sympathy for this, to be honest,” said Berger.
Reuters
Formula One F1 – Belgian Grand Prix – Spa-Francorchamps, Spa, Belgium – August 29, 2021, General view of the safety car followed by Red Bull’s Max Verstappen REUTERS/Christian Hartmann
“You should have standing starts, also in the rain. For me, that is less dangerous as you approach the first corner with less speed. With a flying start, you have more water and less visibility. Just do two laps behind the safety car and then have a standing start,” said Gerhard.
The FIA decided to award half points to the drivers and the teams in the championship. Many drivers criticized the FIA for the handling of the race.
Does F1 need better cars to race in the rain? Let us know.
