F1 Fans Are Enraged Over a Shallow Compensation Deal Offered After Washed-Out Belgian GP

A heavy downpour in Spa Francorchamps washed out the 2021 F1 Belgian Grand Prix earlier this year. After a delay of three hours, the cars finally came out on the track behind Bernd Mayländer in the safety car, only to return after two laps. The fans who attended the Grand Prix are enraged with the compensation deal offered by the race promotors.

Returning from the summer break, Max Verstappen won the rain-shortened Belgian GP, George Russell finished second and Lewis Hamilton took the last spot on the podium. Disappointed fans had to wait for over 3 hours in the torrential conditions just to see two laps behind the safety car.

The inadequate compensation has enraged the F1 fans

The spectators were expecting reimbursement from the race promoters after the washed-out race. However, Spa Grand Prix offered them a compensation package that includes petty giveaways but no hard cash. As per f1i.com, the package includes an F1 TV pass and access to a special event that will be held on the Thursday before next year’s race at Spa. Apart from this, the right to enter a special prize draw offers a chance to win Silver, Gold, and VIP grandstand seats.

Safe to say, the spectators are not in line with these petty offers. They were expecting a refund or at least tickets to the next race scheduled at the venue. A wave of angry reactions coming from the masses has flooded the media.

“I paid €900 for a mockery of a Grand Prix, and I’m being offered an entry into a prize draw. Are they kidding?” said an enraged fan.

“That’s just so embarrassing for the F1, they have enough earnings & could easily pay back the money. The fan base is growing very fast & that sends the wrong signals…” said another F1 fan on Twitter.

“I smell a Lawsuit against FOM and Liberty Media,” said another Twitterati.

“Yep! We got that email. There will be thousands of others like me who aren’t traveling back for one Thursday event. Ridiculous,” said another spectator.

“Another sport where money comes before the fans,” said another Twitter user.

“Uhmm what? Haven’t received anything? Does anyone know more about this?” complained a fan who bought tickets to the race. 

Now that the fans have expressed their discontent over the issue, the authorities might think of amending the compensation scheme. The 1985 Belgium GP also got suspended, but the fans got tickets to the re-scheduled race back then. The race promoters might take a lesson from that event. Let’s see how this story develops.

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