Drivers’ Reactions to the Delayed Start
The start of the race was a topic of discussion among several drivers, with varied opinions on whether it was appropriately timed. While some felt the decision to delay the race was correct, others believed it could have been done earlier.
Safety First
Fernando Alonso emphasized that safety is always the top priority. He mentioned that during the previous briefing, the team had discussed the importance of ensuring safe conditions for the race. Alonso felt that starting the race at the right time was essential, especially given the initial visibility issues.
Gabriel Bortoleto echoed similar sentiments, highlighting that safety should always come first. He noted that during the first session, there was too much spray and aquaplaning, which made racing in those conditions potentially dangerous. Bortoleto stressed the need for realism when it comes to track conditions and praised the FIA for making the right call.
Pierre Gasly also acknowledged the challenging conditions at the start of the race. He admitted that the first lap was so foggy that visibility was nearly impossible. Gasly believed that the decision to red flag the race was appropriate, as it allowed for better conditions before resuming.
Liam Lawson expressed his satisfaction with the timing of the race start. He noted that the conditions improved under the safety car, and he felt the race was started at the right moment. Lawson also pointed out that while spray is common in Formula 1, there were no incidents during the race.
Esteban Ocon commended the FIA for their efforts in ensuring the safety of the drivers. He felt that the decision to start the race when conditions were suitable was the right one.
Oscar Piastri shared his perspective, noting that over the past few years, drivers have provided feedback to the FIA about prioritizing safety. He believed that the decision made today aligned with that philosophy. However, he also mentioned that one less formation lap might have been sufficient, but overall, the decision was sound.
Yuki Tsunoda simply stated that the decision was the right one.
Slightly Too Late, But No Big Deal
Franco Colapinto found it challenging for the FIA to determine the right time to start the race, especially given the varying conditions in Silverstone. He suggested that the race might have been slightly delayed, but it wasn’t a major issue.
Isack Hadjar felt that the race was well managed, with good visibility after the restart. He mentioned that the margin could have been reduced, but overall, the situation was handled effectively.
Lewis Hamilton expressed his view that the race started a little too late. He noted that he repeatedly signaled that the race was ready to go, but the officials continued to circle the track. Hamilton believed that the FIA may have overreacted due to concerns from the previous race. He also mentioned that the spray this year was particularly problematic, making the race feel like driving through fog.
Charles Leclerc acknowledged that balancing safety and timing is a constant challenge. He felt that being cautious was better than risking an accident, even if it meant starting a bit later than ideal.
Carlos Sainz agreed with the decision to prioritize safety, especially considering the history of the track. He praised the race director for taking a more cautious approach after the events at Silverstone. Sainz felt that the decision was ultimately the right one.
Too Late
Alex Albon thought the race could have started earlier. By the time the race actually began, the track was almost dry, and he believed that starting earlier might have added more excitement to the race.
Max Verstappen expressed disappointment with the decision to delay the race. He felt that the conditions were not truly wet, and starting at 3 pm would have been ideal. Verstappen argued that two laps behind the safety car would have cleared up the track, allowing for a more exciting race. He felt that waiting until the track was completely dry was unnecessary and detracted from the experience of wet-weather racing.