Should F1 review its Grand Prix schedules in case of bad weather?

Numerous meetings follow the many problems encountered during the sadly famous Belgian Grand Prix 2021 where no flying lap – apart from two behind the safety car – was allowed due to the weather conditions. In the history of modern F1, we can remember other races of this kind such as the Malaysian Grand Prix 2009 (interrupted at the 33rd of the 56 possible laps, editor’s note) or the Canadian Grand Prix 2011, a race that will last over four hours with two hours of waiting, making it the longest race in the history of Formula 1 so far.

However, these two Grand Prix had offered real races or at least a good part of the race under very similar rainy conditions, if not more, while the Spa Grand Prix never really started this season. One of the reasons is that a modern F1 GP cannot exceed four hours of races, with a maximum of two hours of racing. But that could change. This rule may be coming to an end, or at least the FIA and the teams are discussing possible changes to avoid experiencing such a situation again. A change that could result in a reshuffling of schedules in case of bad weather. Michael Masi, the race director, opens up about the subject. « We said after Spa that there will be a lot of strategic discussions between F1, the FIA and the ten teams. These discussions will take place proactively, we will examine everything and see what we conclude. »

The FIA has already made changes, notably for the deciding Formula 3 race in Russia. Faced with heavy rain expected to hit the Sochi circuit on Saturday, the first three F3 events were moved to Friday afternoon. However, Masi stated that the Spa race had nothing to do with this decision. In any case, it will surely have served as a lesson.