Max Verstappen Slams F1 Belgian GP Rain Delay: “If You Can’t See, You Can Always Lift”

Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium – The 2025 Belgian Grand Prix was marred by controversy before the race even began, as heavy rain led to a delayed start and drew sharp criticism from reigning world champion Max Verstappen. The Red Bull driver, never one to shy away from speaking his mind, expressed frustration with the FIA’s decision to postpone the race start due to worsening weather conditions, arguing that drivers should take responsibility for managing visibility challenges on their own terms. His blunt comment, “If you can’t see, you can always lift,” has sparked debate among fans, teams, and officials about safety protocols in Formula 1 and the balance between competition and caution.

The Belgian Grand Prix, held at the iconic Spa-Francorchamps circuit, is known for its unpredictable weather, with rain often playing a pivotal role in race dynamics. On race day, dark clouds loomed over the Ardennes forest, and a steady downpour drenched the track, reducing visibility and creating treacherous conditions. With safety concerns mounting, race control opted to delay the start by 20 minutes, a decision that Verstappen openly questioned in a post-race interview.

“You know, it’s Spa. It rains here. It’s part of the challenge,” Verstappen said. “If you can’t see properly, you lift off and manage your pace. That’s what we’re paid to do. We’re not here to just sit and wait for perfect conditions. It’s Formula 1, not a Sunday drive.” His remarks, delivered with his trademark candor, underscored his belief that drivers should have more autonomy in navigating adverse conditions rather than relying on race control to dictate proceedings.

As Formula 1 heads into the summer break, Verstappen’s comments will likely fuel ongoing debates about the sport’s direction. His “lift if you can’t see” mantra encapsulates the fearless mentality that has made him a three-time world champion, but it also raises questions about where the line should be drawn between daring and danger. For now, the Belgian Grand Prix will be remembered not just for Verstappen’s dominant win, but for his bold challenge to the status quo in a sport constantly grappling with its identity.

The delay itself was not without precedent. Spa has a history of weather-related disruptions, most notably in 2021, when heavy rain reduced the race to a two-lap procession behind the safety car, drawing widespread criticism for its handling. The 2025 incident, while less severe, reignited discussions about how Formula 1 manages wet-weather racing. The FIA’s decision to delay the start was based on concerns about standing water on the track and poor visibility, particularly in high-speed sections like Eau Rouge and Blanchimont, where spray from tires can create near-zero visibility for trailing cars.

Verstappen’s comments, however, highlighted a broader philosophical divide in the sport. On one hand, safety has become a paramount concern in modern Formula 1, with advancements like the halo device and stricter regulations credited with saving lives. On the other, drivers like Verstappen, who thrive on the raw challenge of racing, argue that excessive caution can dilute the sport’s essence. “We’re professionals,” Verstappen continued. “We know our limits. If it’s too dangerous, we’ll stop ourselves. But delaying the race because of a bit of rain? That’s not what this track is about.”

Other drivers offered mixed perspectives. McLaren’s Lando Norris, who finished third in the race, acknowledged the difficulty of the conditions but supported the delay. “It was tough out there,” Norris said. “You couldn’t see much, and when you’re going 300 kph, that’s not ideal. I get why they delayed it, but I also see Max’s point. We’re here to race, and sometimes you just have to deal with it.” Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, a native of nearby Monaco and no stranger to wet conditions, took a more neutral stance: “It’s a fine line. You want to race, but you also don’t want to put anyone in danger. The FIA has a tough job.”

The race itself, once it got underway, was a thrilling affair. Verstappen, starting from P4 after a grid penalty for exceeding his engine allocation, carved through the field to claim victory, extending his championship lead. The wet conditions persisted, with drivers battling spray and slick patches, but no major incidents occurred, lending some credence to Verstappen’s argument that the race could have started on time. His performance, coupled with his outspoken comments, dominated post-race discussions.

The FIA defended its decision, citing driver safety as the top priority. Race director Niels Wittich explained, “We monitor conditions closely, and the data showed significant risks with visibility and aquaplaning. The delay allowed us to assess the situation and ensure a safer start.” However, some fans and pundits echoed Verstappen’s sentiments, arguing that Formula 1 risks losing its edge by being overly conservative. Social media platforms, particularly X, buzzed with reactions, with posts ranging from support for Verstappen’s “old-school” mentality to criticism of his perceived recklessness.

Team principals also weighed in. Red Bull’s Christian Horner backed his driver, noting, “Max is a racer through and through. He wants to get on with it, and he’s shown he can handle these conditions better than anyone.” Meanwhile, Mercedes’ Toto Wolff called for a balanced approach: “Safety comes first, but we need to find ways to race in the wet without compromising the spectacle. It’s something we’re all working on.”

The controversy has reignited calls for improvements in wet-weather racing technology, such as better tire compounds or aerodynamic solutions to reduce spray. The FIA has already been testing new wheel covers designed to mitigate spray, but their implementation remains under review. Verstappen, however, dismissed the need for such innovations, quipping, “Just drive slower if it’s bad. You don’t need fancy tech for that.”