Is the FIA Killing Wet Racing? The Controversy Surrounding Spa and Formula 1’s Growing Fear of Rain

The 2025 Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps has once again spotlighted a growing issue in Formula 1: the FIA’s overly cautious approach to wet weather racing. What once was considered one of motorsport’s greatest equalizers—the rain—has now become a source of delay, frustration, and controversy. Drivers, teams, and fans alike are voicing increasing concern over what they perceive to be excessive interference from the sport’s governing body.

The Spa Controversy: A Race Lost to Inaction

Spa, one of the most iconic and challenging tracks on the Formula 1 calendar, was once again met with heavy rain this year. However, what should have set the stage for a classic rain-affected race quickly turned into a strategic farce. Despite wet weather being forecasted well in advance, race control delayed proceedings repeatedly. The rationale? Safety concerns, low visibility, and standing water on the track.

While safety is undeniably paramount, many within the F1 paddock believe the FIA has now veered into the territory of overregulation, neutering what could have been a thrilling wet-weather battle. Teams had set up their cars for wet conditions, only to be told to wait until the track was dry enough for intermediates—effectively nullifying their strategy and compromising performance.

This not only upset the strategic planning of multiple teams, including Red Bull and Ferrari, but also deprived fans of a genuine wet-race spectacle. It felt like the race was being choreographed around ideal conditions rather than the unpredictability that defines motorsport.

The Wet Tyre Debate: A Technology Ignored

One of the most vocal criticisms came in the form of confusion over tire selection. Despite the presence of full wet tires—marked by their distinctive blue stripe—not a single car opted to use them during the race, not even during formation laps. Instead, teams mounted intermediate tires (green-striped), even when the track was clearly not suited for them.

This glaring omission raises an important question: Why aren’t wet tires being used?

Pirelli’s wet tires are designed to clear up to 85 liters of water per second, a technical marvel that, on paper, should allow for safer racing in heavier rain. And yet, they remain untouched. Drivers, including Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, have long criticized the poor performance of full wets, citing them as ineffective and irrelevant unless under extreme monsoon conditions. Verstappen even commented, “Why do we even have them if we never use them?” That’s a question many fans are starting to ask as well.

If the FIA and Pirelli want the wet tire to play a role in wet-weather racing, the product needs improvement—and its use must be mandated under certain conditions.

A Cultural Shift: Is Formula 1 Becoming Too Cautious?

Max Verstappen didn’t mince words when expressing his disappointment: “They are way too cautious now. If we wait for the rain to stop, then what are we even doing here?”

And he’s not alone. Lewis Hamilton, a veteran with seven world championships, echoed similar frustrations. He criticized the FIA’s decision to go with a rolling start rather than a standing start, stating, “It was dry enough. We definitely could have had a proper start.”

This points to a broader shift in F1’s racing philosophy—a pivot from calculated risk to safety-above-all-else conservatism. The tragic deaths of Anthoine Hubert in 2019 and Dilano van ‘t Hoff in 2023 have certainly intensified safety measures, particularly at Spa. However, the pendulum may have swung too far.

F1 has always carried inherent risk. It’s part of the sport’s DNA. The best drivers in the world are supposed to prove themselves not only under sunny skies but in treacherous downpours, mixed conditions, and everything in between.

Is Spa on the Chopping Block?

There’s a darker undercurrent to all of this—concern that Spa could soon be rotated off or removed from the calendar altogether. With Formula 1 aggressively expanding into new markets, particularly in the Middle East and Africa, traditional circuits like Spa and Monza face uncertainty.

The FIA’s recent handling of Spa adds fuel to speculation that they’re positioning themselves to reduce reliance on tracks that are prone to unpredictable weather. Spa’s microclimate makes it a wildcard every year, and if F1 continues to show reluctance to race in adverse conditions, the event’s long-term viability comes into question.

The Bigger Problem: Manipulation and Mistrust?

Beyond operational mishandlings, there are whispers of deeper mistrust. Did the FIA, either deliberately or through mismanagement, manipulate the conditions to control the narrative of the race? Several drivers and engineers have hinted at a sense of being misled—being told to prepare for wet racing only for the FIA to wait until conditions resembled a dry race.

If true, this undermines the competitive integrity of the sport. Formula 1 thrives on preparation, strategy, and adaptability. When those pillars are shaken by bureaucratic interference, the product suffers.

Where Do We Go From Here?

To prevent similar controversies in future events—like the upcoming Hungarian Grand Prix, where rain is once again forecast—some key reforms are necessary:

Mandated Use of Wet Tires: If the full wets exist, give them a purpose. Whether through technical improvement or stricter tire regulations, they must be integrated more meaningfully.

Empowering Drivers: Let the drivers have a greater say. After all, they are the ones in the car, and many of them feel comfortable racing in conditions that race control deems “unsafe.”

Transparency in Decisions: The FIA needs to communicate clearly and consistently about race management. Vague explanations only breed frustration and conspiracy theories.

Investment in Visibility Tech: One of the biggest concerns in wet racing is poor visibility due to spray. Innovations like LED rain lights, aero improvements, and tire spray diffusers could mitigate this issue.

Track Design Reviews: Some argue that Spa’s layout contributes to poor drainage and dangerous runoff areas. While no one wants to change classic tracks unnecessarily, continuous safety reviews are vital.

Conclusion: Time for the FIA to Recalibrate

The FIA is at a crossroads. Either it recalibrates its approach to wet weather racing—balancing safety with the sport’s inherently risky nature—or it risks sterilizing Formula 1 into a shadow of its former self.

Spa was a wake-up call. Whether the governing body hears that call remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: fans, teams, and drivers want answers, and more importantly, they want racing—rain or shine.

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