F1 Belgian GP start delayed as rain hits Spa

Formula 1 race control has red-flagged the Belgian Grand Prix before the start due to poor weather conditions around Spa-Francorchamps.

As the anticipated rain showers hit the Ardennes hills on Sunday, drivers started the formation lap for the 44-lap race on Pirelli's intermediate tyres.

But, due to poor visibility and heavy spray behind the safety car, FIA race control brought out the red flag and suspended the start procedure.

"Most drivers have reported poor visibility during the formation lap, hence the red flag," an FIA spokesperson explained.

Rain on the track

Photo by: Beniot Doppagne / Belga Mag / AFP via Getty Images

Polesitter Lando Norris, who informed his McLaren team even he was struggling to see the safety car as the first driver in the queue, led the cars back in to the pitlane to be serviced by the pit crews. There, they are awaiting a 10-minute warning for the procedure to be restarted when conditions have improved.

While more downpours are expected to hit Spa during the race, rain had stopped at the time of the planned 15:00 race start, with race control hoping that a dry period will offer a window to get the grand prix under way.

After a break in conditions and a lengthy effort to remove standing water, race control announced the race would resume at 16:20 local time.

Earlier on Sunday, the F3 race was cancelled due to the torrential conditions, while the F2 feature race was run successfully in the wet.