The Belgian Grand Prix is actually one of the annual highlights in Formula 1. Last summer, however, the race in Spa turned into a farce. The FIA would like to avoid such an incident in the future.
Just two laps were completed behind the safety car at the 2021 Belgian Grand Prix. Due to difficult weather conditions, the Formula 1 race officials decided to take this drastic and equally unpopular measure.
Max Verstappen was the first driver to cross the finish line and ultimately shared the podium with George Russell and Lewis Hamilton. The premier class fans were vocal about the spa “race”. Now Formula 1 is drawing its first conclusions.
On Monday, the FIA met for a meeting. The international umbrella organization decided that in future there should be no more races that only take place behind the safety car. “No points will be awarded unless the leader completes two laps without the safety car or virtual safety car,” the statement said.
Formula 1: Changes to the points system?
In addition, the FIA would also like to adjust the points system. If the leader has completed more than two laps but less than 25 percent of the distance, he should receive six points in the future. If the leader has completed between 25 and 50 percent of the laps, 13 points are planned for victory. If the distance covered is between 50 and 75 percent, there are probably 19 points.
In the past, races in which less than 75 percent of the specified number of laps were completed generally gave half the points, as was the case in Spa in 2021. With the rule changes, the FIA wants to ensure more fairness. The official confirmation is still pending.