Verstappen backs FIA decision: 'Think it was a good choice'

The start of the Formula 1 sprint race in Belgium may not have been as exciting as hoped, but given the wet conditions at Spa-Francorchamps, a rolling start was the safest choice. Max Verstappen fully supports that decision, he revealed after the sprint race.

"The rolling start was a smart thing to do in these kind of conditions because I think nobody could really see what was happening in front and especially on the new tarmac around here, there's a lot of style a lot more standing water, so it would have been quite dangerous out of turn one and through Eau Rouge," Verstappen explained.

He continued: "I don't think you you want that when all the cars are super close. I think that was good choice. I think we could have raced a little bit earlier. Maybe two laps earlier but again I prefer to do it like this, then go out there when it's unsafe and they release us, so it's okay."

Asked if it would be wise to make it a default rule to do four or five formation laps in wet conditions, Verstappen does not think that is the best choice in all situations. "I think it really depends on the conditions, what we are facing, how wet it is, visibility-wise. Every track is a bit different," said the Red Bull Racing driver.