Max Verstappen outlines 'complicated' F1 problem

Max Verstappen has highlighted that Formula 1 faces a "complicated" problem when it comes to managing wet races.

The four-time world champion was particularly vocal during the Belgian Grand Prix, following a lengthy delay to the start of the race due to passing rain showers.

At Spa-Francorchamps, the race was red-flagged during the formation lap because of poor visibility, resulting in a delay that lasted over an hour.

According to the Dutchman, F1 played it "too safe" in Belgium, as the race ended up taking place in effectively dry conditions due to the length of the delay.

Rain has posed challenges for the sport in 2025, particularly because the larger tyres now create a more significant spray cloud. This was also evident at Silverstone, where wet weather caused chaos.

In Verstappen’s view, the British Grand Prix was on the verge of being unsafe, while the approach in Belgium was overly cautious.

He acknowledges the challenges that wet conditions present in F1 – especially given the range of opinions among drivers – but also believes that the drivers themselves could do more to make wet races safer.

Asked in Hungary what can be done to improve visibility in wet conditions, Verstappen told select media including RacingNews365: "Well, this year's car, there's not much that you can do now. It generates so much of a [spray] cloud from the diffuser already. 

"It has a lot more spray than the older cars, for example. Also with these big tyres, there's a lot more water coming off them. So, yeah, I said it after Spa. 

"Silverstone was probably on the edge, take it a little bit safer. But then [Spa] for me, was too safe. On the other hand, when there's a lot of spray and you can't see a lot, you can also lift, and can also make a bigger gap if you're not sure where you're going. 

"This is something that most of the time when you have big accidents, it's when people are not lifting, when they can't really see, and they keep it pinned basically, because they think the people in front of them or behind them do that as well. 

"But, yeah, it's complicated. Some drivers will say the opposite to what I say, and that's fine. Everyone has their own opinion."