Analysts counter Verstappen's criticism of FIA delay: 'Good call'
20:58, 29 Jul 2025
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Estéban den Toom is an editor at GPblog, specializing in Formula 1. With a background in journalism and a keen eye for detail, he delivers daily, reliable coverage and analysis of technical developments and on-track strategy within the sport.
Max Verstappen was not happy with the stewards decision to delay the start of the Belgian Grand Prix. He thought the FIA took too long to start the race. Jeroen Bleekemolen and Nicky Catsburg, in the Formula 1 podcast of the NOS, addressed Verstappen's remarks and the FIA's decision.
Before the race even started, Verstappen radioed that they should just race at Spa-Francorchamps.
The Dutchman was also clear to GPblog among others when asked about at time should the race has begun. "3 o'clock straight away."
The FIA allowed the track to dry to avoid risk of a big incnetdi, much to Verstappen's annoyance. “I mean, they decide. But I just find it is a bit of a shame for everyone. You will never see these classic kind of wet races anymore then, which I think they still can happen," he added.
Bleekemolen and Catsburg on the FIA decision
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In the end, the delay lasted around an hour and half, before the race began with laps behind the safety car and then with a rolling start.
“I understand his frustration, but it's also a bit of self-interest. We're talking here about Dilano van 't Hoff, a Dutch boy who passed away there. That had to do with visibility,” Bleekemolen said about to Verstappen’s reaction after the race.
“There were moments when it was really too dangerous to start driving with the Formula 1 cars. Did they wait too long? Far too long because it could have started much earlier, but I did agree with them waiting for a while,” said the Formula 1 analyst.
“You shouldn't listen too much to the drivers, because they are of course very subjective. They say what suits them best, so the FIA has to follow their own plan,” Catsburg began sharing his thoughts about the decision by the governing body.
“I think they could go for being a bit too safe, rather than starting a bit too early. I think it was a good decision,” he concluded.
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