- August 23, 2022
The changes at the Belgian Grand Prix
After a long summer break, Formula 1 is set to return to action this weekend. And they race at one of the most iconic circuits on the calendar. If the name doesn’t sound familiar, then this section of the track surely will.
Amateur footage as the cars blast through Eau Rouge & Raidillon during the 1991 Belgian GP at Spa. #F1 pic.twitter.com/zZIEaXMJSb
— F1 in the 1990s 🚦🏎🏁🏆🍾 (@1990sF1) December 11, 2018
The circuit of Spa Francorchamps has always been timeless. It’s one of the longest on the calendar. At 7 Km long. And it also has the biggest elevation change. This means that the height difference from the highest to the lowest point of the track is around 100 meters.
As a kid, the 100-meter races always seemed long right? Now imagine that distance, but vertically. Like a building with about 30 stories. Intense stuff when blasting around in the fastest track machine on god’s green earth.
Well, then what are some of the changes that are taking place at this race?
It’s with regards to the fans, and not so much for the drivers.
The official statement from the promoters and organisers had some rules that they are expecting every fan to follow, So what are they?
They are
- Have respect for everyone!
- No glass
- No smoke bombs
- No weapons
- No alcohol
- Bikes are not allowed inside the circuit,
- No pets
- No barbecue
- No drones
- Don’t steal the signs
So at first glance, it all seems very normal, right? Seems like the rules of a normal movie theatre. But the main points are numbers 3 & 5, because of what went down at the Austrian Grand Prix.
At the Austrian Gp just a month or so ago, the dutch fans went wild. There were plumes of orange smoke that just covered sections of the track. Apart from obviously making it dangerous for the drivers, there were also questions about the safety of other fans at the venue.
Local weather forecast at the Red Bull Ring: high chance of orange clouds#F1 #AustrianGP pic.twitter.com/3TIfSJ0HTl
— Patrick (@f1patrick_33) July 9, 2022
The drivers too raised concerns about the visibility with even Hamilton and Verstappen voicing their concerns
But sadly that wasn’t the worst part of this specific race.
It was the harassment that fans received. And in particular, the female fans.
Throughout the 4 day weekend, there were reports of Fans getting harassed with Racial slurs, sexual remarks cat calling and many other incidents. The reports also said that the abuse mainly came from older drunk men.
F1 has to respond to the reported amount of racism occurring at the Red Bull Ring this weekend.
If canceling Zandvoort sends a message, then so be it. Just saying. #AustrianGP #WeRaceAsOne
— Vincenzo Landino (@vincenzolandino) July 9, 2022
This led to strong strong criticism from everyone. Drivers, Teams, Journalists and even Formula 1 themselves, said that they would discuss the matter with the promoters.
So this is one of the main reasons that there won’t be any alcohol at the Belgium Grand Prix.
Formula 1 is a sport that is enjoyed by everyone. From children to old people, regardless of their gender, age or even sexual orientation. Fans love it for the thrill of speed. And everyone should be able to enjoy a race weekend, without getting Harassed.
So do you think the rules are too harsh? or it’s much needed?
But In the words of the F1 CEO, ‘There’s no space for idiots in this world.