Marnik Kok caught the Formula 1 world around twenty years ago. A deep passion for motorsport, Ferrari, and a background in journalism led him to contribute to various (international) F1 platforms. Since 2020, Marnik has been active as an editor and journalist in the pinnacle of motorsport for several media outlets, including De Telegraaf. As of 2025, he brings that experience to GPblog as a seasoned editor.
During his active years as a journalist — now working as a freelancer — Marnik attended numerous events, with the Dutch Grand Prix standing out as one of the highlights. In addition to his work at GPblog, Marnik is also active in the communications sector at a major national provider and steps in wherever needed. Sitting still is not an option — especially not in motorsport!
Max Verstappen was utterly unsatisfied with the decisions of the FIA at the Grand Prix of Belgium. He labeled his tune-up as 'worthless' after the race direction decided to postpone the race.
Heavy rain was expected on all radars during the Grand Prix of Belgium, which indeed was the case. However, the FIA decided to postpone the race, after a lap behind the safety car, and wait for dry weather.
Verstappen and Red Bull had actually anticipated a rain race and raced with high downforce, which put him at a significant disadvantage on the dry circuit of Spa-Francorchamps. He was not able to overtake Charles Leclerc, which was partly due to the setup.
Strong Words Towards FIA
"Of course we made a choice with the setup and then they only allow us to drive in almost slick conditions so yeah that's a bit disappointing," are the telling words of Verstappen.
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The race started an hour later due to the rain on the Belgian circuit, something Verstappen disagrees with. He continues with sarcasm: "Very safe, all safe decisions! A bit of a pity."
"We should have gone immediately. Even the heaviest rain, we could have continued in it, but well, it is what it is."
Verstappen Gives Suggestions to FIA
Different choices could have been made, according to the four-time world champion. He suggests a plan with some laps under the virtual safety car. "Then you can drive a bit harder, but they (the FIA, ed.) make the calls, so we have to live with it," according to a disappointed Verstappen, who was mainly targeting the race direction.
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