Overview

• A downpour halted the scheduled 15:00 start at Spa, forcing drivers back to the pits after an initial safety car attempt failed due to poor visibility.
• Race control kept cars circulating behind the safety car for four additional laps before authorizing a standing start at 16:32 local time.
• World champion Max Verstappen called the lengthy delay “albern,” insisting that a few safety car laps would have sufficed to begin the race.
• Fans and teams were reminded of the 2021 Spa incident when only two safety car laps were run, half points were awarded and ticket refund policies ignited criticism.
• As the 13th round of the 2025 Formula 1 season, the rain interruption is reshaping team strategies and could alter championship momentum.