The Belgium Grand Prix of Formula 1 generated controversy among fans and pilots due to Rain delays. The race, scheduled for the 15 local hours of that country, could not start time due to adverse climatic conditions. The lack of visibility on the track, caused by the cars spray, forced the sports commissioners to decree red flag.
Why don’t you run with rain in the current formula 1
Intense rain hinders visibility on the track, especially with current cars, which are the greatest in history. Tire in extreme rain conditions reduces visibility to almost zero, which increases the risk of accidents. In addition, extreme rain tires, although designed to evacuate large amounts of water, raise so much spray that make group competition impossible. FIA has considered solutions as rain kits to reduce spray, but so far an effective solution has not been found.
The pilots, such as Carlos Sainz, recognize that running in intense rain with current cars is dangerous. Sainz mentioned that “With these cars a wet career we are practically not going to see it”and stressed that the decision to delay the race was correct. Security is priority, and extreme rain conditions make the competition unfeasible.
On the other hand, Max Verstappen, world champion, criticized the career address: “In the end, we hardly drive in the rain, so that also stinks. Yes, very sure everything. Very safe decisions. It is a bit of a shame”. Also, Lewis Hamilton, seven times champion, expressed his frustration: “I want to apologize to fans for this weekend, because there were factors that led to making these mistakes.”
The Grand Prize that fans do not want to remember
The 2021 Belgium Grand Prix is an example of how rain can ruin a race. On that occasion, Only three laps were ran behind the Safety Car before the race was canceled. Fans in the autodrome and spectators at home expressed their frustration due to lack of action.
After what happened, in 2021, Formula 1 introduced a new technical regulation that radically changed the design of the cars. These changes included the implementation of the soil effectwhich generates a greater aerodynamic load through the car floor instead of the ailerons. While this improved the follow -up between cars in dry conditions, it had unwanted consequences in rainy conditions.
The new design of the cars, with its larger dimensions and the greatest amount of air that they displace, created a much densest water curtain when it rains. This, combined with extreme rain tires that evacuate up to 85 liters of water per second at 300 km/h, generates such an intense spray that makes it impossible to see beyond the car that is immediately in front.
The dilemma between the security and the formula 1 show
Formula 1 faces a dilemma between security and show. Fans enjoy the races under rain, where the talent of the pilots emerges and the differences between the cars are minimized. However, For FIA, security is priority, and running in intense rain with current cars is dangerous.
FIA and Formula 1 must find a balance between security and show. Meanwhile, fans must settle for delayed or canceled races when the rain is too intense. Technology and current regulations make rain and careers incompatible, and until a solution is found, this dilemma will continue.
Source: Ambito
I am Pierce Boyd, a driven and ambitious professional working in the news industry. I have been writing for 24 Hours Worlds for over five years, specializing in sports section coverage. During my tenure at the publication, I have built an impressive portfolio of articles that has earned me a reputation as an experienced journalist and content creator.
