Belgian Grand Prix fans who attended last summer's washed-out race are up in arms and enraged over the raw compensation deal offered by the event's promoter Spa Grand Prix.
The twelfth round of the 2021 F1 world championship was undermined by typical Spa-Francorchamps wet weather.
The poor weather hovering over the majestic Ardennes circuit led to spectators soaked to the bone waiting for over three hours for an elusive start to the race.
Late in the day, the field ventured out behind the safety car for three laps that sealed the race's official status, with half-points awarded to the top ten drivers based on their grid positions.
But crucially, the official proceedings, as they were held, legally transferred the burden of compensation from F1 to Spa Grand Prix.
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.
And F1 boss Stefano Domenicali said at the time that Formula One Management would consider the spectators' predicament and prejudice.
This week, fans who attended the race, were informed that they would be eligible for a compensation package that includes petty giveaways but no hard cash!
The package includes an F1 TV pass, access to a special event that will be held on the Thursday before next year's race at Spa, and the right to enter a special prize draw offering a chance to win Silver, Gold and VIP grandstand seats.
"I paid €900 for a mockery of a Grand Prix, and I'm being offered an entry into a prize draw. Are they kidding?" commented a angry and prejudiced fan, speaking to RTL.
"Personally, I had to work hard and sacrifice certain things to take my son, who loves F1, to this event."
Last summer's controversial botched race wasn't the first time the Belgian Grand Prix was cancelled.
In 1985, the event was aborted when the newly laid tarmac broke up due to the heat.
But on that occasion, attending spectators were informed within days that their tickets would remain valid for the re-scheduled race in September, and that they would receive a bonus package giving them free access to the Spa 1000 km endurance event.
Other times, other ways...
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