F1’s wet weather rule explained amid Belgian GP delay

The intense downpour means the start of the Belgian Grand Prix will likely be delayed. But what exactly happens in situations like this?

Following the previous cancellation of the Belgian Grand Prix in 2021 due to heavy rain, the regulations have been slightly adjusted. For championship points to be awarded, at least two laps must be completed without the safety car. If that doesn’t happen, the race is considered void.

Once the race officially begins, the clock starts ticking. The total window is three hours, but only a maximum of two hours can be spent racing. For example, if there is a red flag that halts the race for 30 minutes, that time is deducted from the overall race window—meaning just 90 minutes of racing would remain. But how things unfold is still uncertain.

At the moment, the rain is simply too heavy for racing action to begin. However, once the downpour eases, conditions are expected to improve. If a few formation laps can be completed behind the safety car, there is a chance we will see the green light — but that remains a huge probability.

Should a standing or a rolling start be given, the race clock will begin. From that point on, it's officially considered a race and points can be awarded — provided at least two laps are completed under green flag conditions. That said, if the race is shortened, a different points distribution will apply.

For now, all we can do is wait. Follow our live blog below for the latest updates.