‘Cancel Belgian GP if Conditions Too Bad’: GPDA Director George Russell Issues Warning to FIA After Horrible Mistake Causing Dutch Prodigy’s Death

The dangers of the high-speed Belgian GP circuit are immense. 49 racers across motorsport and motorcycle categories have lost their lives on the Stavelot circuit. The most recent heartbreaking accident was that of Dilano van ‘t Hoff who died in a crash in a rain-hit Formula Regional European Championship (FRECA) race on July 1. In light of that incident, George Russell has warned the FIA to take the right decision if the F1 race takes place in wet conditions.

Russell is the director of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association or the GPDA. For the unversed, the GPDA is a union of all F1 drivers. And as the director, it is Russell’s job to convey the stance of the majority to the FIA. So, keeping the predicted wet weather conditions for the entire weekend in perspective, the Briton has urged the FIA to cancel the Belgian GP if track visibility takes a hit due to the rains.

Russell said, as quoted by ESPN, “Spa is one of the riskier circuits. Then when you’ve got a combination of the weather, it’s very challenging. It’s the visibility, we just have no visibility whatsoever. I think two years ago, that was the correct decision to call the race off.”

He elaborated, saying, “I felt like the incident that happened in FRECA. It was only really a matter of time before something like that happened. Obviously, to have a race canceled is not perfect for anybody. But we don’t want to see a huge incident as we’ve just seen.”

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Russell not only spoke about the danger to F1 drivers but also spoke of the junior categories that are more vulnerable in such conditions.

George Russell Extends His GPDA Responsibilities and Speaks on Behalf of F3 Drivers

F3 is the third-tier category of international single-seater racing, and unlike F1, they can have 30 drivers on the grid. Now, in wet conditions on a risky track like Spa, that is a recipe for disaster. So, Mercedes‘ George Russell even spoke about the lower categories and the risks that junior drivers can face.

Russell said, as quoted by Aol, “I also fear a little bit for the junior categories. I truly think Formula Three should not have 30 cars out there at one time at any point, even in dry conditions. I feel like it is a matter of time before a big incident happens there, too.”

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With so many drivers and stakeholders expressing their concerns over the catastrophic possibilities of a rain-affected Belgian GP, it is high time that the FIA takes note of those and makes considerable changes to put the minds of the racers at peace.