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Belgian GP Start Delayed as FIA Issues Clarification on Race Time Limit

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Samriddhi Jaiswal | Last updated Jul 27, 2025 11:30 AM ET

The Belgian Grand Prix start has been delayed due to wet weather at Spa-Francorchamps, but the FIA has issued a crucial clarification once the race gets underway, teams and drivers will still have a three-hour window to complete the Grand Prix.

In a statement, the FIA said: “For clarification, art. 5.4.d) about the three-hour period to run the race only applies when there’s a race interruption. In this case, the race has not started.”

This means the clock has not yet begun, giving organizers and teams flexibility when conditions improve enough to safely start the event.

Rain had been the main cause of delay, leaving cars and fans waiting for an official start signal. However, there is some good news for drivers and spectators alike.

Sky Sports’ Nigel Chiu reported from trackside: “Looking at my trusty weather app, which has been nearly spot on today, we should have no more rain for the next hour. Hopefully we get the 10-minute warning soon for a start time.”

The clarification offers relief for teams concerned about a reduced race distance, a common issue in heavily disrupted wet races. With a full three-hour window still intact, fans can expect a proper Grand Prix once the lights finally go out.

RED FLAG

It's very wet out there and visibility is poor. The drivers will head back to the pit lane to wait for conditions to improve #F1 #BelgianGP pic.twitter.com/gVpZV2FO10
— Formula 1 (@F1) July 27, 2025

As of now, all eyes are on the skies and the race control tower for the green light. After a challenging qualifying day and unpredictable Spa weather, the Belgian Grand Prix is shaping up to deliver yet another dramatic chapter in Formula 1’s 2025 season.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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