It is raining in Monaco and a red flag have introduced. Many of us are reminiscing about the 2021 Belgian Grand Prix or The Spa Debacle. The Spa Debacle as we know is the shortest race in the Formula One History.
It was heavy raining at the Spa all throughout the race weekend. Unfavorable Conditions made the Qualifying also hard. There was couple of delay in the beginning. However, the race happened. Dutch Max Verstappen however took the pole. Trailing him was George Russell, Lewis Hamilton and Ricciardo. There was a mixed opinion about the race before its start. Mick Schumacher was expecting the rain and Norris was hoping for the rain cause drama. However, Nikita Mazepin wanted the circuit to be dry.
The race was due to start at 15:00 CEST on 29 August but was delayed multiple times due to persistent rain. A first attempt was made to start the race at 15:25 CEST, with two formation laps being completed behind the safety car before the starting procedure was suspended and the red flags were brought out.
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Two additional laps were completed under the safety car after more than three hours of delays, allowing the results to be classified. The race was again paused during the third lap and did not resume. The result was determined after the first lap, as per Formula One rules, which require a two-lap count back.Max Verstappen won the race ahead of George Russell in second and Lewis Hamilton in third. There was no fastest lap and is the only Grand Prix without that being there. Half Points were awarded in the race. It was the sixth GP to have done the same.
Regulatory Changes After The Spa Debacle
In February 2022, FIA introduced changes to the race rules
- No points would be awarded unless a minimum of two laps had been completed under green flag conditions.
- If more than two laps are completed, but less than 25% of the scheduled race distance, points will be awarded to the top 5 on a 6–4–3–2–1 basis.
- In a situation where 25%–50% of the scheduled race distance is completed, points will be awarded on a 13–10–8–6–5–4–3–2–1 basis to the top 9.
- If 50%–75% of the scheduled race distance is completed, points will be awarded on a 19–14–12–10–8–6–4–3–2–1 to the top 10.
- If more than 75% of the scheduled race distance is completed, full points will be awarded.
Additionally, the fastest lap point will now only be awarded if more than 50% of the scheduled race distance is completed
Monaco is one of the greatest events happening in the calendar. Since there are speculations of its place, this happening is quite devastating. The expectations of the race is underway. It is expected that Monaco will be removed as major drivers have raised discontent with the same.
