The Formula 1 Rolex Belgian Grand Prix 2021 will forever be remembered not for thrilling wheel-to-wheel combat, but for the torrential rain that decimated the weekend and the controversial decision to award points based on a single, partially completed lap. Held at the iconic Spa-Francorchamps circuit on August 29th, 2021, the race became a lightning rod for debate, highlighting the complexities of managing a Grand Prix under extreme weather conditions and the interpretation of the sporting regulations. This article will delve into the events of that chaotic weekend, analyzing the race itself, the results, and the ensuing controversy that continues to reverberate through the F1 community.
The Build-Up and the Deluge:
The weekend began under a cloud of uncertainty. While Friday practice sessions offered glimpses of competitive racing, Saturday brought the deluge. Qualifying was postponed repeatedly, before ultimately being canceled entirely due to the unrelenting rain and poor visibility. This meant that the starting grid was determined by the results of the second free practice session, a situation unprecedented in modern F1. This immediately set the stage for an unusual and unpredictable race. Max Verstappen, who had topped FP2, secured pole position, ahead of George Russell in a surprise second place for Williams, and Lewis Hamilton in third for Mercedes. The unusual grid order already hinted at the chaotic race to come.
A Race Reduced to a Sprint:
Sunday dawned with continued heavy rain. The race start was delayed, with hopes that the conditions would improve. However, the downpour persisted, making the track treacherous and visibility extremely poor. The safety car was deployed almost immediately, with the cars circulating behind it at slow speeds, unable to race competitively. After several laps behind the safety car, the race was red-flagged. Multiple attempts to restart the race were made, but the conditions remained too hazardous. After a lengthy delay, the race director, Michael Masi, made the controversial decision to resume the race for a single lap under the safety car, before declaring the race officially finished.
This decision was taken in accordance with Article 51.14 of the FIA Formula One Sporting Regulations, which allows for points to be awarded if at least two laps of the race have been completed under safety car conditions. In this instance, only one lap was officially completed under racing conditions – the formation lap followed by a safety car lap - but the race stewards decided that the single lap completed after the safety car period was sufficient to award points, based on the cars' finishing order at the end of lap one. This meant that half points would be awarded according to the finishing order at the end of that lap.
Belgian Grand Prix 2021 Results: A Controversial Outcome:
The final classification, therefore, was exceptionally unusual. Max Verstappen, starting from pole, was declared the winner, earning half the usual points for a Grand Prix victory. George Russell, who had a stunning qualifying performance, secured a remarkable second place, while Lewis Hamilton finished third. The unusual nature of the race meant that several drivers who had experienced excellent pace throughout the weekend, and had been expected to compete for the win, were relegated to positions that did not reflect their actual performance.
current url：https://begbtq.k443s.com/all/formula-1-rolex-belgian-grand-prix-2021-55950
prada men's america's cup patent leather patchwork sneakers stores chanel men underwear