Belgian Grand Prix LIVE result: Max Verstappen wins two-lap race after heavy rain causes major delays

Follow fallout after the weather drastically affected the race at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps

(Getty Images)

Max Verstappen was proclaimed the winner of a farcical Belgian Grand Prix on Sunday after only two laps were completed behind a safety car.

The 12th round of the Formula One campaign at a rain-soaked Spa-Francorchamps circuit finished three hours and 44 minutes after it was due to begin when the clock finally stopped on an embarrassing afternoon for the sport.

George Russell took second, with Lewis Hamilton third and half-points awarded.

Hamilton’s championship advantage over Verstappen has been reduced to three points.

Seventy-five thousand fans stood in the persistent drizzle for a race due to start at 3pm, pushed back to 3.10pm, 3.15pm and 3.25pm. The safety car took the field away on a formation lap but after eight minutes the race was stopped.

Following two hours and 47 minutes without any action, the FIA’s race director Michael Masi then gave the green light for the race to resume.

The sodden spectators, those who remained in the hope of a race, pumped their fists in delight, with Verstappen’s fans lighting orange flares on the Kemmel Straight.

But after just two laps completed of the rain-drenched 4.35-mile circuit, the race was red-flagged. The sport’s bosses were facing accusations of a cynical manoeuvre with two laps ensuring a classification could be granted.

Belgian Grand Prix

• Race delayed amid heavy rain
• Only two laps completed
• Verstappen, Russell and Hamilton in 1st, 2nd and 3rd with half points

[29 August 2021 18:04 · Sean Russell]

Belgian Grand Prix

Lewis Hamilton will hold a three point lead over Max Verstappen in the Driver’s Championship standings as we head to Zandvoort for the Dutch Grand Prix next week.

The championship battle will continue in front of Verstappen’s home fans as the second half of this incredible season continues.

[29 August 2021 17:54 · Sean Russell]

Belgian Grand Prix

George Russell is very happy with his first ever podium, saying he didn’t expect it this year and that there will be “a big celebration tonight, for sure.”

[29 August 2021 17:48 · Sean Russell]

Belgian Grand Prix

The top 10:

1. Max Verstappen (Red Bull)

2. George Russell (Williams)

3. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)

4. Daniel Ricciardo (McLaren)

5. Sebastian Vettel (Aston Martin)

6. Pierre Gasly (AlphaTauri)

7. Esteban Ocon (Alpine)

8. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)

9. Nicholas Latifi (Williams)

10. Carlos Sainz (Ferrari)

[29 August 2021 17:46 · Sean Russell]

Belgian Grand Prix

The race will not resume.

The race has been declared over, and Max Verstappen has won the 2021 Belgian Grand Prix, with George Russell in second and Lewis Hamilton in third. They will all receive half points.

[29 August 2021 17:36 · Sean Russell]

Belgian Grand Prix

With the two laps completed this race could well be over. Light will begin to fade in Belgium soon, and with no sign of the weather easing it looks likely that the race will be declared.

If that is the case Max Verstappen would be the winner, securing 12.5 points, George Russell will secure his first ever podium and take 9 points, while Lewis Hamilton will take 7.5 points.

[29 August 2021 17:27 · Sean Russell]

Belgian Grand Prix

50 minutes remaining

RED FLAG - Two laps have been completed, half points can now be awarded, but racing is once again stopped as the rain continues to fall just as heavily as it has done all day. The safety car is now leading the cars back to the pit lane.

[29 August 2021 17:22 · Sean Russell]

Belgian Grand Prix

55 minutes remaining

Still a lot of spray on track and drivers are still struggling for visibility as they follow behind the safety car. One lap has officially been completed. One more and the drivers can be given half points.

[29 August 2021 17:18 · Sean Russell]

Belgian Grand Prix

60 minutes remaining

GREEN LIGHT - The race has resumed behind the safety car and we expect this to continue for a while as track conditions are evaluated. If conditions improve the safety car will come in and proper racing can begin.

After two laps, behind the safety car or otherwise, half points can be awarded even if we do not finish racing and we do not reach the half way point.

Sergio Perez has been allowed to rejoin the grid as Red Bull have managed to fix his car in time for the start.

[29 August 2021 17:09 · Sean Russell]

Belgian Grand Prix

Finally the race will resume at 5:17pm(BST). The drivers are putting on their race suits again and must use extreme wet tyres, but it looks like we may see some action. There can be a maximum of only one hour of racing.

[29 August 2021 16:59 · Sean Russell]

Belgian Grand Prix

Weather update now expected at 5:00pm(BST), we will tell you when we know more.

For now the medical car is doing laps of the track and some marshals have been seen with brooms trying to brush away the standing water on the track.

The fans at Spa-Francorchamps are still there in droves, regardless of the delays and weather and will be hoping that all this waiting wasn’t in vain as the temperature drops.