Money rules, Hamilton was angry at the fiasco. The head of F1 reacted – PRAVDA.sk

After a summer break, Formula 1 experienced the shortest and one of the most bizarre races in its history.

Photo: SITA / AP, Olivier Matthys

Max Verstappen behind a security vehicle during the prematurely closed Belgian Grand Prix.

The start of the Belgian Grand Prix was postponed several times due to the weather, after a delay of more than three hours, the drivers started behind the safety vehicle. Three laps were enough and the directorate interrupted the race with red flags and then ended.

According to the rules, half points are awarded in this case, so the order in the finish was the same as in the qualification.

The winner was Red Bull driver Max Verstappen before the surprise from Williams, George Russell, and defending champion Lewis Hamilton.

The Mercedes racer has only a three-point lead at the top of the standings after the twelfth event of the season.

Read more Inhospitable conditions. The Belgian Grand Prix was ended by the marshals

The Brit was angry at the finish line.

“Money rules. The two rounds they ran on were just about money. Everyone gets it that way, but it should be in the case of the supporters too, because they couldn’t see what they paid for.

It is unfortunate that we could not race on Monday. I love this track, so it’s very sad that we couldn’t ride. These were not races, “Hamilton told Sky Sports and wrote a few lines on the instagram.

According to him, the management made a bad decision, the race director was aware that the conditions had not improved and the competitive pace was out of the question.

“Of course we wanted to race. A minimum of two laps must be twisted in order for the results to count. It was constantly raining between the two interruptions. They sent us on the track for one reason only. That’s why I’m especially sorry for the fans, “emphasized the seven-time champion.

Formula 1 President Stefano Domenicali denied that there should be business or financial interests behind sending racers to the track.

“It simply came to our notice then. When we talk about racing, we are responsible. Security is extremely important, “the planetF1.com portal quoted him as saying.

Domenicali fully supports the decisions of the race director Michael Masi to wait for suitable conditions and also approves the verdict on their cancellation.

Read more The Triple Crown does not give up. Veteran Alonso has announced where he will continue

“Yes, it’s unfortunate for people because everyone wanted to see a proper race. It wasn’t about how many laps the riders had twisted, but about trying to try to leave them at all. The directorate made the right decision, “added the Italian.

He also mentioned a window during which they could test the conditions for whether at least an hour-long race could take place.

“It simply came to our notice then. We wanted to race, but the weather was getting worse. That was a reason, not really commercial, I can guarantee you that, “said Domenicali.

Read more Call for counterattack. Will Verstappen kick off adversity?

Although he did not confirm that the money for the tickets would be returned to the fans, he promised that they are a priority and F1 will take care of them.

“We care about them and this is very important. It is a matter that we will discuss with the organizer, “he added.

According to Verstappen, they could complete the most laps if they started in the original time at 15.00.

“Then our chances would be higher. Even so, the track was wet, it didn’t stop raining. It was important to win the qualification, but it’s sad that we couldn’t ride normal laps.

Of course, it’s still a victory, even if you don’t imagine it that way. Praise goes to the fans for staying in the rain and wind all day. They are today’s winners, “said Verstappen.

The importance of qualifying success resonated especially in Russell’s case. He achieved a life result and the first podium placement in his career.

The British racer, who is referred to as the future co-driver of compatriot Hamilton in the Mercedes, claims that the Williams team deserved this result anyway.

“It’s a reward for qualifying. I’m sorry I couldn’t confirm second place in a regular race.

The whole team has worked hard in recent years, but during the sharp starts it did not show much. We got the most out of the qualification and now we are on the podium, “said 23-year-old Russell.

The busy season continues in quick succession. The next races will take place this weekend in the Netherlands.

Calendar and results of F1 2021

Running order:

Riders: 1. Lewis Hamilton (V. Brit./Mercedes) 202.5 points, 2. Max Verstappen (Hol./Red Bull Racing Honda) 199.5, 3. Lando Norris (V. Brit./Mclaren Mercedes) 113, 4. Valtteri Bottas (FIN / Mercedes) 108, 5. Sergio Peréz (Mex./Red Bull Racing Honda) 104, 6. Carlos Sainz (Sp. / Ferrari) 83.5, 7. Charles Leclerc (Mon./Ferrari ) 82, 8. Daniel Ricciardo (Aus./Mclaren Mercedes) 56, 9. Pierre Gasly (Fr./Alphatauri Honda) 54, 10. Esteban Ocon (Fr./Alpine Renault) 42, 11. Fernando Alonso (Šp. / Alpine Renault) 38, 12. Sebastian Vettel (Nem./Aston Martin Mercedes) 35, 13. Juki Cunoda (Jap./Alphatauri Honda) 18, 14. Lance Stroll (Kan./Aston Martin Mercedes) 18, 15. George Russell (V. Brit./Williams Mercedes) 13, 16. Nicolas Latifi (Kan./Williams Mercedes) 7, 17. Kimi Räikkönen (FIN / Alfa Romeo Racing Ferrari) 2, 18. Antonio Giovinazzi (Tal./Alfa Romeo Racing Ferrari), 19. Mick Schumacher (Nem./Haas Ferrari) 0, 20. Nikita Mazepin (Rus./Haas Ferrari) 0.

Constructors’ Cup: 1. Mercedes 310, 2. Red Bull Racing Honda 303, 3. Mclaren Mercedes 169, 4. Ferrari 165, 5. Alpine Renault 80, 6. Alphatauri Honda 72, 7. Aston Martin Mercedes 53, 8. Williams Mercedes 20, 9 Alfa Romeo Racing Ferrari 3, 10. Haas Ferrari 0.