No refunds for F1 fans who attended Belgian GP washout

Heavy rain prevented any competitive racing at Spa-Francrochamps in August, with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen declared the winner when the race was aborted after completing just two laps behind the Safety Car. 

Following hours of red flag delays and two separate attempts to get the race started, half points were awarded to the top-10 finishes. 

F1’s shortest-ever grand prix was labelled as “a farce” by seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who was among several drivers who called for spectators to be reimbursed. 

The event promoters have written to fans who attended the race and confirmed that refunds will not be offered for the cost of their tickets. 

Instead, fans have been offered a free F1TV pass, invitation to an ‘exclusive’ event on Thursday ahead of next year’s Belgian GP and entry into a ‘prize draw’ offering “a unique chance to win passes” to the 2022 race.

“We were disappointed for all the fans that the race could not go to full distance, but the safety of the drivers, marshals and spectators was, and must always be, the priority,” the promoter’s email read. “The weather conditions did not improve sufficiently to complete more laps.

“Spa Grand Prix, promoter of the event, have worked to define different options and to express our gratitude to the Sunday ticket holders who attended the race for your dedication and commitment.” 

Just 170 tickets will be up for grabs in total in the draw, including 100 silver grandstand seats for bronze ticket holders, 50 gold grandstand seats for silver ticket holders, and 20 VIP seats for gold ticket holders. 

The tickets can be redeemed for Sunday or the entire grand prix weekend and fans have until the end of January 2022 to respond to the offer. 

Upwards of 200,000 fans attended the 2021 Belgian GP weekend at Spa, which holds a total spectator capacity of 70,000. 

Race day tickets for the 2022 Belgian GP are selling for up to €529 (£450).