FIA missed 'best chance' to start F1's Belgian GP - Verstappen

Verstappen claimed his sixth victory of the season after the race result was declared after just two laps of racing behind the Safety Car.

Due to worsening weather conditions, the race was called off with Verstappen winning ahead of Williams’ George Russell and Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton.

The Dutchman said over team radio: “For me it's fine. I mean, it's wet, but for me, it's fine to race”.

Speaking after the race, Verstappen felt organisers missed a potential window of opportunity.

“Yeah it was very important to get that pole position, but of course, it's a big shame to not do proper laps but the conditions are very tricky out there. I said at 3:30, like let's go,” he said.

“I think the conditions were decent but the visibility was very low. I think if we would have started at 3 o'clock then we'd have had a better chance. Nevertheless, after that it stayed really wet and it kept raining. It's a win but it's not how you want to win.

“I think for today, a big credit goes to all the fans around the track to stay here the whole day in the rain, in the cold, windy conditions so I think they are actually the bigger winners today.”

Verstappen’s latest victory moves him to just three points behind Hamilton in the standings.

Next up is his home grand prix at Zandvoort, leaving Verstappen hopeful he can overturn the deficit.

“We have to keep on pushing, keep on trying to close it and go ahead,” Verstappen added. “We have a few more races to do that and I am confident we have a good car. We just need to try and get a bit more performance out of it.”