Five Years Ago: Formula 1's Most Farcial Race Unfolded

On this day five years ago, Formula 1 witnessed one of its most controversial races, officially lasting just a single lap behind the safety car.

We're talking about the Belgian Grand Prix, which devolved into a farce due to relentless torrential rain at Spa-Francorchamps. The downpour forced a delay to the start procedure, which eventually began 25 minutes late. However, after only two formation laps behind the safety car, conditions were deemed too dangerous, and the drivers were called back to the pit lane.

Following a nearly three-hour wait, they returned to the track, once again behind the safety car, completing just two more laps. Midway through the second lap, the red flag was shown, effectively ending the race that never truly began.

Officially, after reverting the classification by one lap, the 2021 Belgian Grand Prix lasted a mere single lap, with Max Verstappen declared the winner. Joining the Red Bull driver on the podium were George Russell for Williams and Lewis Hamilton for Mercedes.

As the drivers failed to complete at least 75% of the scheduled 44-lap race distance, they were awarded only half of the allocated points. In response to the events at Spa five years ago, the FIA amended the regulations, now requiring at least two laps under green flag conditions for a race to award championship points.