BREAKING: F1 Belgian Grand Prix start aborted as FIA issues statement after stopping race

The Belgian Grand Prix was stopped after the formation lap amid safety concerns at the Circuit Spa-Francorchamps. Wet weather in the Ardennes Forest put the start at the race at risk and it soon became clear that there was a significant amount of standing water on track.

All cars went round the track on the formation lap at 2pm UK time, when the Formula 1 race was supposed to begin. But drivers were reporting over the radio that visibility was very poor with a lot of spray being thrown up into the air.

And the FIA confirmed that was the reason why race control then hastily red-flagged the Grand Prix and ordered all cars back to the pit lane. "Most drivers have reported poor visibility during the formation lap, hence the red flag," a statement from the governing body read.

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