Belgian GP promoter to discuss 'compensation' for fans with F1

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Spa Grand Prix, the promoter of the Belgian Grand Prix, has said that it will hold talks in the coming days with Formula 1 on how to compensate the spectators who attended Sunday's washed-out race.

Fans in the grandstands and around the circuit patiently waited for over three hours for Sunday's race to get underway under the poor weather conditions, only to be treated at the end of the day to a three-lap 'race' behind the safety car that left everyone thoroughly disappointed.

Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who stood on the third step of the sham podium alongside declared winner Max Verstappen and George Russell, criticized the decision to restart the race, saying that fans should get a refund.

F1 boss Stefano Domenicali said on Sunday evening that Formula One Management would consider the spectators' predicament and prejudice.

"At the end of the day, for sure, the organiser, together with us, will consider the attention, the maximum attention to the fans, that’s for sure," said Domenicali.

On Monday, Spa Grand Prix general manager Vanessa Maes issued a statement in which she supported the race control's decision on Sunday to delay proceedings.

confirmed that she would seek a solution to compensate those who paid the real price for Sunday's truncated event.

"It’s hard to speak in these moments, but we would like to express our deepest disappointment at the outcome of the Grand Prix," said Maes.

"The conclusion for my team of a year of work where we had to overcome all kinds of obstacles. But the weather is unfortunately an element that we cannot control.

"I have always said that the health of our public is paramount. That of the drivers too. Safety must come first and I therefore respect the decision of the clerk of the course."

Read also - Domenicali: No 'commercial' reasons behind Belgian GP restart

But in the coming days, Maes will also work with FOM to seek a settlement for the benefit of the race's ticket holders.

"I of course share the enormous disappointment of our spectators who have been exemplary," she added.

"I will reflect and discuss in the days to come with Formula One Management [FOM] on how we could offer compensation to our spectators after this case of force majeure."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.