What happens if an F1 Grand Prix is cancelled as Belgian GP suspended due to 'severe weather'

Details of what happens if a Formula One race is cancelled due to severe weather have been revealed as the Belgian Grand Prix descends into chaos.

A thrilling start to the Belgian Grand Prix race weekend saw reigning champion Max Verstappen claim victory in an exciting sprint race before McLaren star Lando Norris secured pole position in the main race.

However, the Grand Prix on Sunday was quickly met with disaster as the race was red flagged just seconds into the formation lap due to severe rain.

With heavy rain expected to continue in Spa, it is unclear when, or if, the Belgian Grand Prix will be able to properly get underway, leading many fans to question what would happen if the race was cancelled.

Heavy rain has been falling on the famous Spa circuit. (Image: Getty)

After several drivers complained about the visibility on track, the FIA, Formula One's governing body, made the tough call to red flag the race and prioritise driver safety.

And conditions fail to improve in the coming hours, the race will officially be cancelled, meaning it will not be classified and points will not be awarded to any drivers.

If drivers are able to completed more than two laps under green flag conditions, but less than 75% of the race, half points would be awarded based on the positions at the time.

And thankfully, if 75% of the race distance is completed then full points can be awarded, with the final standings taken from the last completed lap before the red flag.

For the Belgium Grand Prix, this important 75% mark would come on lap 33, meaning that the drivers would have to complete this 33rd lap of the Circuit of Spa-Francorchamps if full points are to be awarded.

Whatever happens, if the full race has not been completed by 17:00 BST, then the race will be stopped and points will be handed out accordingly depending on how much of the race has been completed.

The severe weather in Belgium caused major delays to the Grand Prix. (Image: Getty)

What have the drivers said about conditions at the Belgian Grand Prix?

Although many drivers understood the decision to red flag the race during the formation lap, despite their disappointment, this was not the case for Red Bull star Verstappen.

Instead, the Dutchman immediately criticised the decision, suggesting that some laps should have been completed while the conditions were slightly better than what was expected to come later.

"Well that's just a bit silly," Verstappen said on his team radio, which was captured by Sky Sports.

"I mean, you should just run a few laps, like chillax, Jesus. They're way too cautious, now the heavy rain is coming and then it's gonna be a few hours delay.

“We just need to do a few laps. They're being far too cautious.”