Carlos Sainz expressed his support for the race director’s choice to delay the start of the Belgian Grand Prix by 80 minutes because of heavy rain. The postponement, which took place at Spa-Francorchamps due to unsafe track conditions, was justified in Sainz’s eyes given the circuit’s challenging history with weather-related incidents. Reflecting on the decision, the Williams driver emphasized safety above all.
better safe than have an accident.
—Carlos Sainz, Williams
Disappointing Race Performance Despite Strategic Gambles
Sainz finished the race in 18th place after opting for a risky start from the pitlane using a high downforce setup designed for wet conditions. Unfortunately, the anticipated wet track conditions did not fully materialize, diminishing the effectiveness of his strategy. Despite various setbacks during this Belgian GP weekend, Sainz stood firm in his belief that delaying the race start was the prudent decision.
When questioned about whether the race could have started any earlier, he dismissed the possibility, noting that although a slightly earlier start might be feasible at other circuits, Spa-Francorchamps requires more caution due to its weather history.
In a normal track, yes, I think we could have started maybe 5-10 minutes earlier. In Spa-Francorchamps and the history of this track, it’s better safe than [sorry].
—Carlos Sainz, Williams
Respect for Race Director’s Cautious Approach After Silverstone Incidents
Sainz acknowledged the race director’s commitment to prioritizing driver safety, referencing lessons learned from prior events such as Silverstone, where accidents influenced stricter decision-making. This context underlined the rationale for caution at Spa, especially considering previous tragic accidents at the Belgian circuit.
You guys got the whole race, you got to watch the full race, so I don’t think it was a bad call, a safe call, but my respect to the race director because he told us after Silverstone and the accidents in Silverstone that he would play it safer here and that’s what he did.
—Carlos Sainz, Williams
Sainz’s support is further strengthened by the memory of fatal incidents caused by poor weather at Spa in recent years, including the deaths of Anthoine Hubert and Dilano van ‘t Hoff. The risks associated with the track’s conditions justify a conservative approach to race scheduling.
That’s why better safe than have an accident and be regretful.
—Carlos Sainz, Williams
Delayed Start and Challenging Conditions on Race Day
The Belgian Grand Prix’s originally scheduled start time was 4:20 pm local time but was postponed by 80 minutes after heavy rainfall created dangerous conditions. Drivers reported poor visibility due to standing water on the track, which resulted in a red flag after the initial formation lap. The race eventually began under safety car conditions, adopting a rolling start to allow the water to clear.
Earlier in the day, the Formula 3 race was outright cancelled because of the persistent rain and the risks posed by standing water, highlighting the severity of the weather that unsettled the Formula 1 schedule as well.
Sainz’s Race Strategy and Setup Adjustments
Sainz’s decision to start from the pitlane was a direct result of the uncertain conditions and an attempt to adapt his car’s setup from qualifying. He explained that the team chose to alter the car’s configuration with a rear wing suited for wet conditions in the hope the full wet race would materialize. Unfortunately, that gamble did not result in the expected advantage during the race.
We basically elected to start from the pitlane after, I think, yesterday in quali we did some… I think we went in the wrong direction with the set-up, and we were seeing something in the car that was worth a change in park ferme to change the car. That gave us also the opportunity to put a rear wing for the wet in case it was a full wet race, and the gamble didn’t pay off.
—Carlos Sainz, Williams
Safety Prevails as the Priority Amid Spa’s Weather Challenges
The 2023 Belgian Grand Prix underscored how unpredictable weather can dramatically affect race strategies and operations at Spa-Francorchamps. The cautious delay not only reflected on recent safety lessons but also avoided exposing drivers to hazardous conditions typical of the circuit’s rain-prone environment. Sainz’s comments highlight a shared understanding among drivers regarding the importance of such precautions.
Going forward, the experience from this GP is likely to reinforce stringent protocols around weather-related delays, especially at Spa, where the stakes remain high due to past tragedies and the circuit’s inherent challenges.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why does Carlos Sainz have 55?
A. During his career, the number 55 has become closely tied to the Spaniard, representing his identity both in and outside of racing. Sainz chose this number because it cleverly incorporates his name, Carlo5 5ainz.