Mercedes driver George Russell has come out in defence of the FIA’s decision to red flag the start of the Belgian Grand Prix. The race, held at the notoriously wet Spa-Francorchamps, was delayed for 80 minutes after the start was aborted due to complaints from drivers about visibility on the formation lap.

There were mixed opinions across the grid as to whether the start should have gone ahead at the original time, but Russell, Director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association, has made his feelings on safety concerns clear.

George Russell was concerned with safety in the wet conditions

Safety has become a big concern amongst officials and drivers in Belgium, after several tragic events at the historic circuit. In recent years, we have seen many tragic accidents at the circuit that have demanded that the FIA make some changes to prioritize driver safety at the track, especially in wet weather conditions.

Speaking with The Athletic about the conditions at Spa, George Russell said: “When you’re doing over 200 miles an hour out of Eau Rouge, you literally cannot see anything. 

“It isn’t racing, it’s just stupidity.” 

Eau Rouge is one of the most high-speed sections in Formula 1’s calendar. It takes a lot of confidence to take that section with complete commitment. The risk level is double when the track is wet, with almost no visibility while following a car ahead. Hence, Russell was happy that the race director decided to wait until the track started to dry in order to start the race.

Other drivers shared this opinion, with McLaren driver Lando Norris complaining about poor visibility despite leading the pack from behind the safety car. However, there were some who were left frustrated with the 80-minute delay for the start of the Grand Prix.

Max Verstappen believed the race should have gone ahead as usual 

Despite concerns over visibility, Max Verstappen was vocal in his disagreement with the FIA’s decision. The Dutch driver has always shown confidence in wet conditions. After being informed of the red flag by his engineer, Simon Rennie, Verstappen expressed frustration on the team radio.

He said: “That’s a bit silly… They’re way too cautious. Now, the heavy rain is coming, and it’s gonna be a 3-hour delay.”

Rival Lewis Hamilton agreed with Verstappen’s comments, believing the race could have started earlier.

🌧| To Race Or Not To Race?

Hamilton and Verstappen were clearly not amused by the Race Director’s decision to wait for the start of the Belgian Grand Prix:

We obviously started the race a little too late, I would say, I kept shouting like ‘it’s ready to go, it’s ready to go’.

— Fastest Pitstop (@FastestPitStop) July 28, 2025

In recent years, the FIA have been criticised for their decision making regarding wet conditions. Many have questioned why they have the extreme wet Pirelli tyres if they prevent races from going ahead in the rain. But after the tragedy at Spa in previous years, it seems that the right call was made.

With complaints from drivers, commentators, and fans, should the FIA revise regulations for racing in mixed conditions?