Jump to content

2021 Belgian Grand Prix

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Rlink2 (talk | contribs) at 17:24, 26 April 2022 (→Aftermath and regulatory changes: Adding web.archive.org links for citations with url-status=live Category:CS1_maint:_url-status). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

2021 Belgian Grand Prix
Race 12 of 22[a] in the 2021 Formula One World Championship
← Previous raceNext race →
Layout of the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps
Layout of the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps
Race details
Date 29 August 2021
Official name Formula 1 Rolex Belgian Grand Prix 2021
Location Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, Stavelot, Belgium
Course Permanent racing facility
Course length 7.004 km (4.352 miles)
Distance 1 lap, 6.880 km (4.275 miles)
Scheduled distance 44 laps, 308.052 km (191.414 miles)
Weather Wet, persistent rain
Attendance 213,000[2]
Pole position
Driver
Red Bull Racing-Honda
Time 1:59.765
Fastest lap
Driver Not recognised[3]
Time None
Podium
First
Red Bull Racing-Honda
Second
Williams-Mercedes
Third
Mercedes
Lap leaders

The 2021 Belgian Grand Prix (officially known as the Formula 1 Rolex Belgian Grand Prix 2021) was a Formula One motor race held on 29 August 2021 at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps. It was the twelfth round of the 2021 Formula One World Championship. The race was won by Max Verstappen ahead of George Russell and Lewis Hamilton.

Due to very wet conditions, two laps took place behind the safety car before a red flag brought an end to the race during lap three, with the regulations requiring the results to be taken from the end of lap one. As of 2021, it holds the record for being the shortest Formula One World Championship race ever held, both in terms of number of laps and kilometres raced beating the previous record of in terms of kilometres distance which was by the 1991 Australian Grand Prix (at 52.920 km (32.883 mi)) as well as setting a new record fewest number of official completed laps in a Grand Prix with one lap breaking the record set at the 1971 German Grand Prix (which was 12 laps). The decision to run the race for just two full laps behind the safety car before red flagging the race on lap 3 was highly controversial, with the FIA and their race director Michael Masi criticised by media, fans, teams and drivers for how they ran the race. This is the only World Championship race not to have any running under full green flag conditions in its duration.

Half points were given to the drivers who finished in the top 10 positions. The sport set about finding suitable methods of preventing a repeat scenario and it was subsequently decided to change the sporting regulations which from 2022 onwards would state a race must involve a minimum of two laps of green flag running without a safety car or virtual safety car in order for any points to be awarded.[4]

Background

The event, which was held over the weekend of 27–29 August at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, was the twelfth round of the 2021 Formula One World Championship after a four-week break. It marked the sixty-sixth time the Belgian Grand Prix appeared on the season calendar. It rained throughout the weekend,[5] exciting some drivers. Mick Schumacher stated that he was "looking forward to getting onto some rain",[6] while Lando Norris said that he was "hoping for a bit of rain" in the race.[7] Nikita Mazepin stated that he "hope[s] it's dry."[8] Going into the event the entry list for the event contained five former winners of the Belgian Grand Prix, these being Lewis Hamilton (with wins in 2010, 2015, 2017 and 2020), Kimi Raikkonen (with wins in 2004, 2005, 2007 and 2009), Sebastian Vettel (with wins in 2011, 2013 and 2018), Charles Leclerc (who won in 2019) and Daniel Ricciardo (who won in 2014) for whom this race was also a 200th Grand Prix start.[9][10]

Championship standings before the race

Following the 2021 Hungarian Grand Prix one month earlier, Lewis Hamilton led the Drivers' Championship by 8 points from Max Verstappen. Lando Norris, Valtteri Bottas, and Sergio Pérez were third, fourth, and fifth, respectively. Mercedes led the Constructors' Championship by 12 points from Red Bull Racing. Scuderia Ferrari were third and McLaren fourth, each with 163 points (140 points behind Mercedes).[11]

Entrants

See also: 2021 Formula One World Championship § Entries

The drivers and teams were the same as the season entry list with no additional stand-in drivers for the race.[12]

Tyre choices

Sole tyre supplier Pirelli allocated the C2, C3, and C4 compounds of tyre to be used in the race.[13]

Penalties

After causing collisions at the previous race, Valtteri Bottas and Lance Stroll each received a five-place grid penalty for the Grand Prix.[14][15]

Practice

Free practice 1 took place on 27 August at 11:30 CEST and ended without major incident. Yuki Tsunoda and Kimi Räikkönen spun at La Source in separate incidents.[16] Räikkönen also hit the inside pit wall, ending his session.[17] Charles Leclerc ran wide at turn 7, but was able to recover without incident.[18] The Mercedes of Valtteri Bottas was fastest, followed by Red Bull Racing's Max Verstappen, and Scuderia AlphaTauri's Pierre Gasly.[19] Championship leader Lewis Hamilton finished in 18th,[20] after his lap was impeded by a slow Nicholas Latifi.[21]

Free practice 2 took place at 15:00 CEST on the same day. The session was interrupted by two incidents, both resulting in red flags. First, Leclerc lost control of the rear end on the exit of Les Combes and crashed into the wall, ending his session.[22] Verstappen had an incident at Malmedy, also losing control of the rear and hitting the wall. Esteban Ocon also spun but was able to recover and return to the pits. Verstappen finished fastest, with Bottas in second and Hamilton in third.[23]

Free practice 3 took place on 28 August at 12:00 CEST.[24] The final practice session ended with no major incidents, but saw many drivers sliding off the track. Bottas, Nikita Mazepin, Russell, Sebastian Vettel, and Carlos Sainz Jr. all went off during FP3. Raikkonen finished his session early when his brakes failed—he managed to recover to the pits but didn't come back out.[25] Gasly also spun.[26] The Red Bulls took first and second, with Verstappen beating teammate Sergio Pérez, while Hamilton finished third.[27]

Qualifying

Qualifying took place on 28 August and was due to start at 15:00 CEST.[24] Due to extreme rainfall, the start was delayed to 15:12.[28] Everyone started on the full wet tyres, except for George Russell and Nicholas Latifi, who were first and second after the first qualifying laps. Everyone then fitted the intermediate tyres. The first session ended with Lando Norris in first, Max Verstappen in second, and Lewis Hamilton in third. Nikita Mazepin, Kimi Räikkönen, Mick Schumacher, Yuki Tsunoda, and Antonio Giovinazzi were eliminated from the remainder of qualifying.[29]

All drivers completed the second session on intermediate tyres. Norris once again was first, with Hamilton second and Valtteri Bottas third. Lance Stroll, Fernando Alonso, Carlos Sainz Jr., Nicholas Latifi, and Charles Leclerc were eliminated from the remainder of qualifying.[30] The third segment of qualifying started with worsening rain. Immediately, drivers were calling for a delayed session or red flag.[31] Norris soon aquaplaned at Eau Rouge resulting in a heavy crash at Raidillon and a red flag.[32] Sebastian Vettel stopped at the scene to check on Norris after complaining over the radio about the dangerous conditions.[33] Verstappen took pole on his final lap, with George Russell in second, and Hamilton third.[34] Russell secured Williams Racing's first front row start since the 2017 Italian Grand Prix, and equalled his career-best start. Norris was cleared for Sunday's race after precautionary checks and an X-ray following his Q3 crash.[35] After the Grand Prix, race director Michael Masi admitted it was a mistake to let the third segment of qualifying start on time.[36]

Qualifying classification

Pos. No. Driver Constructor Qualifying times Final
grid
Q1 Q2 Q3
1 33 Netherlands Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing-Honda 1:58.717 1:56.559 1:59.765 1
2 63 United Kingdom George Russell Williams-Mercedes 1:59.864 1:56.950 2:00.086 2
3 44 United Kingdom Lewis Hamilton Mercedes 1:59.218 1:56.229 2:00.099 3
4 3 Australia Daniel Ricciardo McLaren-Mercedes 2:01.583 1:57.127 2:00.864 4
5 5 Germany Sebastian Vettel Aston Martin-Mercedes 2:00.175 1:56.814 2:00.935 5
6 10 France Pierre Gasly AlphaTauri-Honda 2:00.387 1:56.440 2:01.164 6
7 11 Mexico Sergio Pérez Red Bull Racing-Honda 1:59.334 1:56.886 2:02.112 7
8 77 Finland Valtteri Bottas Mercedes 1:59.870 1:56.295 2:02.502 131
9 31 France Esteban Ocon Alpine-Renault 2:01.824 1:57.354 2:03.513 8
10 4 United Kingdom Lando Norris McLaren-Mercedes 1:58.301 1:56.025 No time 152
11 16 Monaco Charles Leclerc Ferrari 2:00.728 1:57.721 N/A 9
12 6 Canada Nicholas Latifi Williams-Mercedes 2:00.966 1:58.056 N/A 10
13 55 Spain Carlos Sainz Jr. Ferrari 2:01.184 1:58.137 N/A 11
14 14 Spain Fernando Alonso Alpine-Renault 2:01.653 1:58.205 N/A 12
15 18 Canada Lance Stroll Aston Martin-Mercedes 2:01.597 1:58.231 N/A 191
16 99 Italy Antonio Giovinazzi Alfa Romeo Racing-Ferrari 2:02.306 N/A N/A 14
17 22 Japan Yuki Tsunoda AlphaTauri-Honda 2:02.413 N/A N/A 16
18 47 Germany Mick Schumacher Haas-Ferrari 2:03.973 N/A N/A 17
19 7 Finland Kimi Räikkönen Alfa Romeo Racing-Ferrari 2:04.452 N/A N/A PL3
20 9 Russian Automobile Federation Nikita Mazepin[b] Haas-Ferrari 2:04.939 N/A N/A 18
107% time: 2:06.582
Source:[38][39]
Notes

Race

Race report

The race was due to start at 15:00 CEST on 29 August but was delayed multiple times due to persistent rain.[24] Sergio Pérez was not expected to start the race after he crashed on his way to the grid;[42] However, despite Michael Masi initially suggesting to the contrary Pérez was ultimately allowed by race officials to join the race after the Red Bull Racing mechanics were able to repair Pérez's car during the delay following the first red flag.[43] A first attempt was made to start the race at 15:25 CEST, with two formation laps being completed behind the safety car before the starting procedure was suspended and the red flags were brought out.[44] At 17:00 CEST, the stewards used the powers given to them under article 11.3.9.o of the FIA's International Sporting Code[45] to suspend the race clock on grounds of force majeure.[46]

After over three hours of delays, two more laps were completed under the safety car, which allowed for the results to be classified. During the third lap, the race was suspended again and was not resumed. The race result was taken after the first lap, in compliance with Formula One regulations which require a two-lap countback.[47] Max Verstappen was declared the race winner (scoring his 16th career F1 win and 6th win of the season as a result)[48] ahead of George Russell in second and Lewis Hamilton third.[49][50] Verstappen's win was Red Bull Racing's fourth Belgian Grand Prix win and their first at the venue since Ricciardo's 2014 win as well as the first F1 win at Spa for a Honda powered car since the 1991 event.[51] With only a single official lap and 6.880 km (4.275 mi) completed, it is the shortest ever race in the history of the sport, eclipsing the previous records set in terms of kilometres of distance covered at the 1991 Australian Grand Prix (which was raced over 52.920 km (32.883 mi) and 14 laps)[52] and in terms of lap count at the 1971 German Grand Prix (which lasted 12 laps).[53] The officially completed distance was recorded as 6.880 km (4.275 mi).[c] For the sixth time in Formula One history, and the first time since the 2009 Malaysian Grand Prix, half points were awarded. Russell's second place was his first career podium and the first for the Williams Racing team since Lance Stroll finished third for the team at the 2017 Azerbaijan Grand Prix.[54] Stroll finished this race 18th on the road but was classified in 20th, having been handed a 10-second time penalty for a rear wing change under parc fermé conditions during the first red flag period. This promoted Kimi Räikkönen to 18th and Pérez to 19th. Charles Leclerc was investigated for the same infringement but was not penalised as the change was quickly reversed.[55] as of 2021, this race is the only World Championship Grand Prix where there is no officially recognised fastest lap.[56]

Post-race reactions and commentary

In addition to admitting to making mistakes on qualifying day Masi also faced criticism from drivers, teams and media for how the Grand Prix itself was run. On race day, due to poor weather and after numerous delays, Masi made the decision to run two full laps behind the safety car before abandoning the race on the third lap, which Masi said was a genuine attempt to go racing.[57][58] Media and drivers criticised Masi's decision to hold two laps under the safety car in still-raining conditions,[59][60][61] with seven-time World Champion Hamilton calling the race "a farce" and criticised, among others, the alleged attempt to fulfill the requirements for awarding points. They argued that points should never have been awarded.[62] Sebastian Vettel,[63] Fernando Alonso,[64] and Alfa Romeo Racing[65] criticised the decision to award half points for the race.[66][67] Daniel Ricciardo defended the decision to do so,[68] as did Red Bull's Pérez.[69] Ricciardo's McLaren teammate Lando Norris was left conflicted by the FIA's decision to award points since this benefited his fellow driver but thought it was not a race "deserving of points".[70] Verstappen commented that it was not "the way you want to win".[71] Russell was pleased to achieve his first Formula One podium despite the unusual circumstances, saying: "You don't get rewarded for this very often." He added that he had been rewarded for a strong qualifying on Saturday, whilst also sympathising with, and apologising to, the attending fans for the lack of action in the Grand Prix itself.[72] Despite his driver winning the event, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner felt the decision to award points was not right.[73] Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff called the decision to award half points "annoying".[74]

Hamilton and Carlos Sainz Jr. called for spectators who bought tickets to be refunded.[75] Hamilton stated his belief that Formula One had "made a bad choice" to complete two full laps behind the safety car before abandoning the race, alleging this was done purely to ensure Formula One fulfilled its commercial obligations.[76] Formula One Group CEO Stefano Domenicali quickly rejected these claims.[77] Haas F1 team principal Guenther Steiner suggested the criteria for awarding half points was possibly becoming outdated and needed updating.[78] Pundit Scott Mitchell was also of the opinion that fans who attended the race deserve compensation, and that Formula One risked alienating some of its fanbase if it did not refund ticket holders in some way.[79] Formula One and the race promoters are working on options for ticket holders following the race's suspension.[80] Two-time world champion Mika Häkkinen defended the decisions made by officials during the event.[81] Scuderia AlphaTauri driver Pierre Gasly stated that Formula One needed to find a solution in order to reduce the amount of spray Grand Prix cars produce in wet conditions to improve driver visibility.[82] Pirelli's head of motorsport Mario Isola said he felt the sport's decision to move to wider tyres from the 2017 season onwards was a contributing factor to drivers having more visibility problems in wet conditions, as they disperse more water compared to pre-2017 tyres.[83] Vettel and Alonso dismissed the notion that the FIA was being overcautious with safety, citing the modern aerodynamics of the cars, downforce levels and wide Pirelli tyres that had made visibility worse when driving in wet weather – with races such as the 2007 Japanese Grand Prix (a race Vettel, Hamilton, Raikkonen and Alonso all took part in) conducted over a full distance in arguably worse heavy rain conditions than those seen in at Spa.[84]

1992 world champion Nigel Mansell said that if he had been in charge of running the race, he would have relaxed parc fermé conditions for a wet race to allow teams to make needed set-up changes to make the cars driveable in tricky conditions.[85] 1996 world champion and 22-time Grand Prix winner Damon Hill called the Grand Prix "a parade, not a race".[86] Fellow ex-Formula One drivers Pedro De la Rosa and Hans Joachim Stuck said that races would have started under such conditions in the past, with De La Rosa stating the sport had reduced its risk threshold compared to what was acceptable 10 or 15 years ago.[87] Russell's performance in qualifying was praised and considered the high point of the weekend by pundits Edd Straw and Scott Mitchell.[88][89] Journalist David Tremayne also praised Russell's performance, suggesting it was an indication that he was ready to step up to Mercedes seat for the 2022 season.[90] F1TV's Lawrence Barretto and Will Buxton felt that while it was a difficult decision to abandon the race, the FIA had no choice but to shorten the race for safety reasons, and praised fans for their perseverance.[91] Journalist Mark Hughes was critical of the decision to run two full laps behind the safety car, believing that doing so called into question the sport's "better values"; he suggested there was an undercurrent of cynicism from Formula One bosses towards the fans, which he believed did not create a good image for the sport.[92]

Journalist Josh Suttil considered the events at the race to be Formula One's biggest race-day debacle since the 2005 United States Grand Prix (where 14 cars withdrew at the end of the formation lap due to tyre safety concerns, leaving six cars in the race).[93][94] Gary Anderson, Formula One pundit and ex-Formula One technical director, and Martin Brundle, ex-Formula One driver-turned-commentator, suggested that the race would have been better if cars had been running in virtual safety car conditions. Brundle also mentioned the idea of Formula One possibly introducing 'slow zones', where a speed limit is imposed on part of the track.[95][96] Anderson also proposed that the criteria for half-points should be extended going forward to require that at least 50% of the original scheduled race distance be run, without changing the current distance requirement for full points (75% of scheduled distance complete). He included the additional stipulation that at least 25% of the laps completed before race-end must be done under green flag conditions for a race to be considered eligible for points-scoring of any kind.[97] In January 2022, Anderson wrote: "Spa was also a disgrace. How can half-points be awarded after three laps behind a safety car? The official result was based on just one lap of that!"[98] Journalist Luke Smith also advocated changing rules whilst saying the podium celebrations of Verstappen and Russell in particular were "tone deaf", and contrasted them to Hamilton's restrained reaction.[99] Formula One managing director Ross Brawn described the events at Spa as "a challenging day", whilst praising Russell's performance.[100]

Aftermath and regulatory changes

The Formula One regulations at the time of the race mandated that more than two laps must be completed to award any points.[62] Masi stated there was a genuine attempt to race under green-flag conditions before the rain got worse, and Hamilton said that "money talks".[101] The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile noted that it was "impractical" to delay the race until the following day.[102][103] Formula One Management stated in the race aftermath that it intended to have discussions with the teams and the FIA regarding changes to sporting regulations to prevent such an occurrence from happening again.[104] The proposed changes would attempt to formulate a more satisfactory minimum requirement for a classification to be achieved than is required under the current rules, as well as discussing the possibility of written provisions in the rules enabling race organisers to reschedule a race if it were unsuitable to run the race on its original date.[105] After one of the races of the 2021 Sochi Formula 3 round had its start time changed due to poor weather, Masi suggested that Formula One could adopt a similar rule to reduce the chances of having to abandon a race for bad weather.[106][107] In January 2022, McLaren CEO Zak Brown cited the aborted Spa race, alongside the last minute cancellation of the 2020 Australian Grand Prix and the controversial safety restart at the susbsequent 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, as signs that the FIA had suffered organisational and rule-making problems for a significant period of time which needed to urgently be resolved.[108]

At a Formula One Commission meeting held in October 2021, changes concerning how points are awarded were discussed.[109] The commission then recommended that the matter be discussed further at the next meeting of the FIA's Sporting Advisory Committee to set out proposals for regulatory and procedural changes regarding the awarding of points at shortened races.[110][111] Any changes agreed upon by the Sporting Advisory Committee would then go to the FIA's World Motorsport Council for final ratification.[112][113] In response to the race, Formula One started research into how to improve wet weather racing, looking at possibility of redesigning the cars to reduce spray whilst also preventing aquaplaning.[114] In December 2021, it was announced that the race promoters would not refund ticketholders, and offer race attendees free passes for F1TV and the chance to be entered into a prize draw to win tickets to the 2022 Belgian Grand Prix.[115][116] In February 2022, the Formula One Commmision approved rule changes, ahead of the start of the 2022 championship. The new points scoring criteria for shortened races from 2022 onwards follows a gradual scale system and is as follows:[117][118]

  • No points would be awarded unless a minimum of two laps had been completed under green flag conditions.
  • If more than two laps are completed, but less than 25% of the scheduled race distance, points will be awarded to the top 5 on a 6–4–3–2–1 basis.
  • If 25%–50% of the scheduled race distance is completed, points will be awarded on a 13–10–8–6–5–4–3–2–1 basis to the top 9.
  • If 50%–75% of the scheduled race distance is completed, points will be awarded on a 19–14–12–10–8–6–4–3–2–1 to the top 10.
  • If more than 75% of the scheduled race distance is completed, full points will be awarded.

Additionally, the fastest lap point will now only be awarded if more than 50% of the scheduled race distance is completed.[119]

Race classification

Pos. No. Driver Constructor Laps Time/Retired Grid Points1
1 33 Netherlands Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing-Honda 1 3:27.071 1 12.5
2 63 United Kingdom George Russell Williams-Mercedes 1 +1.995 2 9
3 44 United Kingdom Lewis Hamilton Mercedes 1 +2.601 3 7.5
4 3 Australia Daniel Ricciardo McLaren-Mercedes 1 +4.496 4 6
5 5 Germany Sebastian Vettel Aston Martin-Mercedes 1 +7.479 5 5
6 10 France Pierre Gasly AlphaTauri-Honda 1 +10.177 6 4
7 31 France Esteban Ocon Alpine-Renault 1 +11.579 8 3
8 16 Monaco Charles Leclerc Ferrari 1 +12.608 9 2
9 6 Canada Nicholas Latifi Williams-Mercedes 1 +15.484 10 1
10 55 Spain Carlos Sainz Jr. Ferrari 1 +16.166 11 0.5
11 14 Spain Fernando Alonso Alpine-Renault 1 +20.590 12
12 77 Finland Valtteri Bottas Mercedes 1 +22.414 13
13 99 Italy Antonio Giovinazzi Alfa Romeo Racing-Ferrari 1 +24.163 14
14 4 United Kingdom Lando Norris McLaren-Mercedes 1 +27.109 15
15 22 Japan Yuki Tsunoda AlphaTauri-Honda 1 +28.329 16
16 47 Germany Mick Schumacher Haas-Ferrari 1 +29.507 17
17 9 Russian Automobile Federation Nikita Mazepin[b] Haas-Ferrari 1 +31.993 18
18 7 Finland Kimi Räikkönen Alfa Romeo Racing-Ferrari 1 +36.054 PL
19 11 Mexico Sergio Pérez Red Bull Racing-Honda 1 +38.205 PL2
20 18 Canada Lance Stroll Aston Martin-Mercedes 1 +44.1083 19
Fastest lap: None recognised[3]
Source:[39][120]
Notes
  • ^1 – Half points were awarded, as less than 75% of the race distance was completed.[120][d]
  • ^2 – Sergio Pérez's grid position was left vacant due to an accident that occurred when he was making his way to the grid. Once his mechanics repaired his car, he was allowed to start the race from the pit lane.[121]
  • ^3 – Lance Stroll finished 18th on track, but received a post-race 10-second time penalty for a rear wing change during the red flag period.[120]

Championship standings after the race

  • Note: Only the top five positions are included for both sets of standings.

See also

Notes

  1. ^ At the start of the event Formula One planned to hold twenty-three Grands Prix.[1]
  2. ^ a b Nikita Mazepin is Russian, but he competed as a neutral competitor using the designation RAF (Russian Automobile Federation), as the Court of Arbitration for Sport upheld a ban on Russia competing at World Championships. The ban was implemented by the World Anti-Doping Agency in response to the state-sponsored doping program of Russian athletes.[37]
  3. ^ This is shorter than the length of the circuit because the start and finish line are offset by 124 metres (407 ft)
  4. ^ Results have been calculated in accordance with Article 51.14 of the FIA Formula One Sporting Regulations, namely at the end of lap 1 being the penultimate lap before the lap during which the signal to suspend the race was given. However, for the determination of points, Article 6.5 is applicable, the leader having crossed the Control Line 3 times, therefore complying with the requirement for the leader to have completed more than 2 laps in order for half points to be awarded.[120]

References

  1. ^ Smith, Luke (28 August 2021). "Formula 1 reveals updated 2021 calendar, drops to 22 races". Autosport. Retrieved 28 August 2021.
  2. ^ "Formula 1 announces TV, race attendance and digital audience figures for 2021". Formula1.com. 17 February 2022. Retrieved 17 February 2022.
  3. ^ a b Connelly, Garry; Holter, Felix; Warwick, Derek; Bacquelaine, Yves (29 August 2021). "2021 Belgian Grand Prix – Final Race Classification" (PDF). FIA.com. Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile. p. 2. Archived (PDF) from the original on 29 August 2021. Retrieved 30 August 2021.
  4. ^ "Belgium 2021-Stats F1". www.statsf1.com. Stats F1. Retrieved 11 April 2022.
  5. ^ "What's the weather forecast for the 2021 F1 Belgian Grand Prix?". Crash. 26 August 2021. Archived from the original on 26 August 2021. Retrieved 27 August 2021.
  6. ^ "Mick Schumacher Q&A: Belgian Grand Prix". Haas F1 Team. 24 August 2021. Archived from the original on 25 August 2021. Retrieved 26 August 2021.
  7. ^ "McLaren's Lando Norris says Hungary DNF blotted 'almost perfect' first half of season as he prays for rain in Spa". Formula1. 26 August 2021. Archived from the original on 26 August 2021. Retrieved 26 August 2021.
  8. ^ "Nikita Mazepin Q&A: Belgian Grand Prix". Haas F1 Team. 24 August 2021. Archived from the original on 25 August 2021. Retrieved 26 August 2021.
  9. ^ "Grand Prix Belgium- Wins-STATS F1". STATS F1. STATS F1. Retrieved 22 January 2022.
  10. ^ Woodhouse, Jamie. "Ricciardo excited for landmark race at Belgian GP". www.planetf1.com. Planet F1. Retrieved 24 August 2021.
  11. ^ "Hungary 2021 – Championship". StatsF1. 1 August 2021. Archived from the original on 18 July 2021. Retrieved 27 August 2021.
  12. ^ "2021 Belgian Grand Prix – Entry List" (PDF). Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile. 26 August 2021. Retrieved 26 August 2021.
  13. ^ Noble, Jonathan (19 February 2021). "Pirelli unveils tyre choices for 2021 F1 season". Autosport. Motorsport Network. Retrieved 27 August 2021.
  14. ^ a b Smith, Luke (1 August 2021). "Bottas handed grid penalty for Belgian GP after Hungary crash". Autosport. Archived from the original on 1 August 2021. Retrieved 26 August 2021.
  15. ^ a b "Stroll also handed penalty after opening lap crash in Hungary". RacingNews365. 1 August 2021. Archived from the original on 26 August 2021. Retrieved 26 August 2021.
  16. ^ "Raikkonen and Tsunoda spin at La Source". Formula 1. 27 August 2021. Archived from the original on 27 August 2021. Retrieved 27 August 2021.
  17. ^ "2021 Belgian GP FP1: Räikkönen hits the pit wall at Spa-Francorchamps". Formula 1. 27 August 2021. Archived from the original on 27 August 2021. Retrieved 27 August 2021.
  18. ^ Benson, Andrew (27 August 2021). "Bottas top in Belgium first practice". BBC Sport. Retrieved 27 August 2021.
  19. ^ "2021 Belgian Grand Prix FP1 report and highlights: Bottas leads Verstappen in damp first practice session at Spa". Formula1. 27 August 2021. Archived from the original on 27 August 2021. Retrieved 27 August 2021.
  20. ^ Kalinauckas, Alex (27 August 2021). "F1 Belgian GP: Bottas tops FP1 from Verstappen, Hamilton only 18th". Autosport. Archived from the original on 27 August 2021. Retrieved 27 August 2021.
  21. ^ Gomes, Arpit (27 August 2021). "Watch: Hamilton Narrowly Avoids Huge Crash With Williams F1 Driver During Spa Free Practice". EssentiallySports. Archived from the original on 27 August 2021. Retrieved 27 August 2021.
  22. ^ "2021 Belgian GP FP2: Leclerc crash at Turn 6 brings out red flags". Formula 1. 27 August 2021. Archived from the original on 27 August 2021. Retrieved 27 August 2021.
  23. ^ Benson, Andrew (27 August 2021). "Verstappen tops practice despite crash". BBC Sport. Retrieved 27 August 2021.
  24. ^ a b c "Belgian Grand Prix 2021 – F1 Race". Formula1. Archived from the original on 25 January 2021. Retrieved 24 August 2021.
  25. ^ "2021 Belgian GP FP3: Drivers slip and slide at start of wet final practice". Formula 1. Retrieved 30 August 2021.
  26. ^ "2021 Belgian GP FP3: Gasly spins at Turn 14". Formula 1. Retrieved 30 August 2021.
  27. ^ "(FP3) Third Practice Results – 2021 Belgian Grand Prix". FormulaSpy. 28 August 2021. Retrieved 30 August 2021.
  28. ^ "Belgian GP qualifying has been delayed". RacingNews365. Retrieved 30 August 2021.
  29. ^ "@F1 on Twitter – CLASSIFICATION: Q1". Twitter. Archived from the original on 28 August 2021. Retrieved 30 August 2021.
  30. ^ "@F1 on Twitter – CLASSIFICATION: Q2". Twitter. Archived from the original on 28 August 2021. Retrieved 30 August 2021.
  31. ^ Valantine, Henry (28 August 2021). "Sebastian Vettel: Masi 'not proud' of Q3 red flag situation". PlanetF1. Retrieved 30 August 2021.
  32. ^ "Watch: McLaren's Lando Norris walks away after dramatic Eau Rouge-Raidillon crash in Belgian GP qualifying". Formula1.com. Retrieved 30 August 2021.
  33. ^ "2021 Belgian GP Qualifying: Vettel stops to check Norris is ok after crash". Formula 1.com. Formula One Management. 28 August 2021. Retrieved 16 January 2022.
  34. ^ Duncan, Phil; Slater, Luke (28 August 2021). "Max Verstappen denies George Russell pole in dramatic and wet Belgian GP qualifying". The Telegraph. ISSN 0307-1235. Retrieved 30 August 2021.
  35. ^ "Belgian GP: McLaren's Lando Norris cleared to race following checks after scary qualifying crash". Sky Sports. Retrieved 30 August 2021.
  36. ^ Cleeren, Filip (31 August 2021). "Masi admits starting Q3 at Spa was a mistake". Motorsport.com. Archived from the original on 31 August 2021. Retrieved 31 August 2021.
  37. ^ Luke Smith (5 February 2021). "Mazepin set to race under neutral flag after CAS ruling extends to F1". motorsport.com. Archived from the original on 5 February 2021. Retrieved 5 February 2021.
  38. ^ "Formula 1 Rolex Belgian Grand Prix 2021 – Qualifying". Formula1.com. 28 August 2021. Retrieved 28 August 2021.
  39. ^ a b "Formula 1 Rolex Belgian Grand Prix 2021 – Starting Grid". Formula1.com. 28 August 2021. Retrieved 28 August 2021.
  40. ^ "Norris to take 5-place grid penalty at Spa as McLaren confirm gearbox change after Q3 crash". Formula1.com. 28 August 2021. Retrieved 28 August 2021.
  41. ^ "Raikkonen set to start from pit lane at Spa after rear wing change". Formula1.com. 29 August 2021. Retrieved 29 August 2021.
  42. ^ Smith, Luke (29 August 2021). "Perez out of Belgian GP after crash on lap to the grid". Autosport. Archived from the original on 29 August 2021. Retrieved 29 August 2021.
  43. ^ Smith, Luke. "Perez allowed to join Belgian GP from pitlane if car repaired during delay". www.motorsport.com. Motorsport Network. Retrieved 29 August 2021.
  44. ^ Mitchell, Scott (29 August 2021). "Belgian GP start suspended, Perez can race despite crash". The Race. The Race Media. Retrieved 21 January 2022.
  45. ^ "Belgian GP stewards push back time limit for the race after heavy rain delays running at Spa". Formula1. 29 August 2021. Archived from the original on 29 August 2021. Retrieved 7 December 2021.
  46. ^ Michell, Scott (29 August 2021). "F1 stewards use rare power to 'temporarily stop' Belgian GP". The Race. The Race Media. Retrieved 29 August 2021.
  47. ^ "Verstappen takes win and Russell first podium in shortest ever Grand Prix as heavy rain hits Spa". Formula1.com. Formula One Management. 29 August 2021. Retrieved 21 January 2022.
  48. ^ "Max Verstappen-Wins". www.statsf1.com. Stats F1. Retrieved 22 January 2022.
  49. ^ Benson, Andrew (29 August 2021). "Max Verstappen declared winner of aborted rain-hit Belgian Grand Prix". BBC Online. BBC Sport. Retrieved 29 August 2021.
  50. ^ Mitchell, Scott (29 August 2021). "Verstappen wins Belgian GP with no racing and half points awarded". The Race. The Race Media. Retrieved 21 January 2022.
  51. ^ "Belgian GP-ChicaneF1". www.chicanef1.com. ChicaneF1. Retrieved 22 January 2022.
  52. ^ "Grand Prix -Kms Less". www.statsf1.com. Stats F1. Retrieved 23 January 2022.
  53. ^ "Stats F1-Laps- The Less". Stats F1. Stats F1. Retrieved 23 January 2022.
  54. ^ "'A podium is a podium' – Capito thrilled with Williams' first top 3 result since 2017, despite bizarre circumstances". Formula1.com. Retrieved 29 August 2021.
  55. ^ Horton, Phillip (29 August 2021). "Stroll gets time penalty in one-lap Belgian GP". Motorsport Week. Motorsport Week. Retrieved 29 August 2021.
  56. ^ Collantine, Keith. "F1 breaks 30-year-old record for shortest-ever race". Race Fans. Retrieved 30 August 2021.
  57. ^ "'We did the best we could but the weather got the better of us' says Masi after red-flagged Belgian GP". Formula 1. Formula One Group. Archived from the original on 29 August 2021. Retrieved 12 January 2022. Interview archived at Wayback Machine: "F1 race director Michael Masi explains decision to run two lap race at Spa". Sky Sports F1. YouTube. 29 August 2021. Archived from the original on 29 August 2021. Retrieved 12 January 2022.
  58. ^ "F1 race director Michael Masi explains his decision". Italy24 News English. 29 August 2021. Archived from the original on 16 January 2022. Retrieved 12 January 2022.
  59. ^ Horton, Phillip (29 August 2021). "Why the F1 Belgian Grand Prix Was the Most Absurd Race in Formula 1 History". Autoweek. Retrieved 21 January 2022.
  60. ^ Benson, Andrew (13 December 2021). "Formula 1: Where next for sport after Verstappen and Hamilton title drama?". BBC Sport. BBC. Retrieved 13 January 2022.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  61. ^ Brown, Maury (11 January 2022). "Lewis Hamilton's Return To F1 Reportedly Hinging On Outcome Of Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Inquiry". Forbes. Integrated Whale Media Investments. Retrieved 12 January 2022.{{cite magazine}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  62. ^ a b Richards, Giles (29 August 2021). "Max Verstappen declared winner of farcical Belgian GP as rain plays havoc". The Guardian. Retrieved 29 August 2021.
  63. ^ Straw, Edd; Suttill, Josh (29 August 2021). "Vettel: F1 awarding points for Belgian GP 'A joke'". The Race. The Race Media. Archived from the original on 29 August 2021. Retrieved 12 January 2022.
  64. ^ Noble, Jonathan (30 August 2021). "Alonso: Decision to award F1 points for Belgian GP 'shocking'". Autosport.com. Motorsport Network. Archived from the original on 30 August 2021. Retrieved 12 January 2022.
  65. ^ "Belgian GP – Team Statement". Sauber Group. Sauber Group/Alfa Romeo Racing. 30 August 2021. Archived from the original on 30 August 2021. Retrieved 12 January 2022.
  66. ^ Lakarm, Lewis (30 August 2021). "Fernando Alonso blasts F1's 'shocking' decision to award points at Belgian GP". Crash-Net. Crash Media. Archived from the original on 30 August 2021. Retrieved 12 January 2022.
  67. ^ Lakarm, Lewis (30 August 2021). "Alfa Romeo issues statement criticising F1's handling of shortened Belgian GP". Crash-Net. Crash Media. Archived from the original on 30 August 2021. Retrieved 12 January 2022.
  68. ^ Foster, Michelle (30 August 2021). "Ricciardo: Formula 1 made right call to award points". PlanetF1. Retrieved 30 August 2021.
  69. ^ Hall, Sam (31 August 2021). "Belgian GP points a just reward for Saturday risk takers – Perez". GP Fans. Retrieved 21 January 2022.
  70. ^ Cooper, Adam. "Norris conflicted by decision to award F1 points in Belgian GP". Motorsport.com. Motorsport Network. Retrieved 30 August 2021.
  71. ^ Smith, Luke (29 August 2021). "Verstappen admits 'not how you want to win' Belgian GP". Autosport.com. Motorsport Network. Retrieved 29 August 2021.
  72. ^ "Russell delighted: 'You don't get rewarded for this very often'". GP Blog. 29 August 2021. Retrieved 29 August 2021.
  73. ^ Collantine, Keith; Rencken, Dieter (4 September 2021). "'Wrong to award points for a couple of laps behind the Safety Car' – Horner". RaceFans. Retrieved 21 January 2022.
  74. ^ Watson, Fraser. "Mercedes boss Toto Wolff slams 'annoying' F1 decision after chaotic Belgian GP". www.express.co.uk. The Express Online. Retrieved 30 August 2021.
  75. ^ Wilde, Jon (31 August 2021). "Sainz joins Hamilton in call for fan refunds at Spa". PlanetF1. Retrieved 31 August 2021.
  76. ^ Smith, Luke. "Hamilton: F1 'made a bad choice' running two laps, but 'money talks'". Sutosport.com. Motorsport Network. Retrieved 29 August 2021.
  77. ^ Cooper, Adam. "F1 CEO Domenicali: No commercial pressure to start Belgian GP". Autosport.com. Motorsport Network. Retrieved 29 August 2021.
  78. ^ Dieter Rencken, Keith Collantine (2 September 2021). "F1's half points rule may be outdated – Steiner". Race Fans. Retrieved 2 September 2021.
  79. ^ Mitchell, Scott (September 2021). "The despondent fan stories that show the damage F1 risks". The Race. The Race Media. Retrieved 1 September 2021.
  80. ^ "Formula 1 and Belgian GP promoter 'working through options' for ticket holders after red-flagged race at Spa". Formula1.com. Retrieved 1 September 2021.
  81. ^ Häkkinen, Mika. "Mika Häkkinen: "Forget the controversy FIA made the right call at Spa"". Unibet. Unibet. Retrieved 31 August 2021.
  82. ^ Cooper, Adam. "Gasly: F1 should address spray issue after poor visibility at Spa". Autosport.com. Motorsport Network. Retrieved 31 August 2021.
  83. ^ Collantine, Keith (October 2021). "F1's move to wider tyres worsened wet weather visibility – Pirelli". RaceFans. Retrieved 2 October 2021.
  84. ^ Jonathan Noble, Matt Kew. "Cars and tyres, not caution, behind F1's inability to race in the wet". www.motorsport.com. Motosport Network. Retrieved 2 September 2021.
  85. ^ Maher, Thomas (2 September 2021). "Mansell suggests how F1 could have gone racing in Belgium". RacingNews365. Retrieved 31 August 2021.
  86. ^ Chiu, Nigel (1 September 2021). "Hill: The Belgian GP was a parade not a rac". RacingNews365. Retrieved 17 January 2022.
  87. ^ "Spa farce due to modern F1 culture says ex-drivers". Grandprix.com. Retrieved 1 September 2021.
  88. ^ Mitchell, Scott (30 August 2021). "Russell podium the least resentful result from F1's dark day". The Race. The Race Media. Retrieved 30 August 2021.
  89. ^ Straw, Edd (30 August 2021). "Edd Straw's 2021 Belgian Grand Prix driver ratings". The Race. The Race Media. Retrieved 30 August 2021.
  90. ^ Tremayne, David (31 August 2021). "Treymane: After Russell stole the show at Spa, can there be any doubt he's ready for next step?". Formula1.com. Retrieved 31 August 2021.
  91. ^ "Explained: Why was the 2021 Belgian Grand Prix cut short?". Formula1.com. Formula One Management. 29 August 2021. Retrieved 17 January 2022.
  92. ^ Hughes, Mark (30 August 2021). "Mark Hughes: Belgian GP casts doubt on F1's 'better values'". The Race. The Race Media. Retrieved 30 August 2021.
  93. ^ "'Worst since Indy '05' – Our verdict on a bizarre Belgian GP". The Race. The Race. Retrieved 29 August 2021.
  94. ^ Suttill, Josh (31 August 2021). "The other parallel the Belgian GP has with Indy '05 debacle". The Race. The Race Media. Retrieved 31 August 2021.
  95. ^ Brundle, Martin. "Martin Brundle: Reviewing and explaining the abandoned Belgian GP, and F1's need for 'rules reset'". Sky Sports. Retrieved 31 August 2021.
  96. ^ "'Worst since Indy '05' – our verdict on a bizarre Belgian GP". The Race. The Race Media. 29 August 2021. Retrieved 29 August 2021.
  97. ^ Anderson, Gary (2 September 2021). "Gary Anderson's blueprint for how to run a wet F1 Grand Prix". The Race. The Race Media. Retrieved 2 September 2021.
  98. ^ Anderson, Gary. "Gary Anderson's FIA wishlist for 2022 F1 rule changes". The Race. The Race Media. Retrieved 16 January 2022.
  99. ^ Smith, Luke (30 August 2021). "Ten things we learned from the F1 Belgian Grand Prix". Motorsport.com. Motorsport Network. Retrieved 21 January 2022.
  100. ^ Brawn, Ross (29 August 2021). "Feature: Ross Brawn on a challenging day at Spa, Russell's brilliance, and looking ahead to F1's return to Zandvoort". Formula1.com. Formula One. Retrieved 21 January 2022.
  101. ^ Galloway, James (30 August 2021). "Belgian GP: Lewis Hamilton claims 'money talks' after two laps before final red flag". Sky Sports. Retrieved 29 August 2021.
  102. ^ Smith, Luke (29 August 2021). "FIA: "No ability" to postpone Belgian GP until Monday". Autosport.com. Retrieved 30 August 2021.
  103. ^ Freeman, Glenn (29 August 2021). "FIA: Huge list of reasons Belgian GP couldn't run on Monday". The Race. Retrieved 30 August 2021.
  104. ^ Benson, Andrew (30 August 2021). "Belgian Grand Prix: F1 to make rule changes after aborted race". BBC. Retrieved 30 August 2021.
  105. ^ Noble, Jonathan (30 August 2021). "F1 set for talks over rule changes after Belgian GP 'farce'". Motorsport.com. Motorsport Network. Retrieved 30 August 2021.
  106. ^ Khorounzhiy, Valentin (28 September 2021). "FIA could routinely change F1 race start times to avoid rain". The Race. Archived from the original on 28 September 2021. Retrieved 28 September 2021.
  107. ^ Cooper, Adam. "F1 and FIA set to discuss timetable revamp procedures". motorsport.com. Motorsport Network. Retrieved 4 October 2021.
  108. ^ Mitchell, Scott (17 January 2022). "F1 suffering from 'systematic issues' with rule making – Brown". The Race. The Race Media. Retrieved 17 January 2022.
  109. ^ Noble, Jonathan. "F1 to discuss rule changes over Belgian GP 'farce' in October". motorsport.com. Motorsport Network. Retrieved 31 August 2021.
  110. ^ Foster, Michelle (14 October 2021). "F1 Commission wants 'options' to avoid a repeat of Spa 2021". PlanetF1. Retrieved 14 October 2021.
  111. ^ Medland, Chris (13 October 2021). "F1 Commission agrees to revisit race rules after Spa debacle". Racer. Racer. Retrieved 13 October 2021.
  112. ^ "F1 Commission discusses potential changes to Sporting Regulations in wake of shortened Belgian GP". Formula1.com. Retrieved 13 October 2021.
  113. ^ "F1 – FIA Formula 1 Commission – 13 October". FIA. 13 October 2021. Retrieved 13 October 2021.
  114. ^ Cooper, Adam. "F1 begins research on wet weather racing solution". Motorsport.com. Motorsport Network. Retrieved 2 November 2021.
  115. ^ Valentine, Henry. "No refunds for Belgian GP crowd despite washout". PlanetF1. Retrieved 21 December 2021.
  116. ^ "Spectators of cancelled Belgian GP do not get their money back". GPblog.com. Retrieved 21 December 2021.
  117. ^ "F1 Commission approves changes to Sporting Regulations regarding points for shortened races". formula1. 14 February 2022. Retrieved 14 February 2022.
  118. ^ "FIA make changes to Safety Car rules ahead of 2022 F1 season start". Formula1. 16 March 2022. Archived from the original on 16 March 2022. Retrieved 16 March 2022.
  119. ^ "2022 Formula One sporting regulations" (PDF). FIA. 15 March 2022. pp. 4–5. Retrieved 18 March 2022.
  120. ^ a b c d "Formula 1 Rolex Belgian Grand Prix 2021 – Race Result". Formula1.com. 29 August 2021. Retrieved 29 August 2021.
  121. ^ "Red Bull performs miracle at Spa: Perez to start after crash on warm-up lap". GPblog.com. 29 August 2021. Retrieved 29 August 2021.
  122. ^ a b "Belgium 2021 – Championship". Stats F1. Retrieved 17 January 2022.
Previous race:
2021 Hungarian Grand Prix 		FIA Formula One World Championship
2021 season 		Next race:
2021 Dutch Grand Prix
Previous race:
2020 Belgian Grand Prix 		Belgian Grand Prix Next race:
2022 Belgian Grand Prix
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2021_Belgian_Grand_Prix&oldid=1084799806"