F1 branded ‘absolute joke’ as Singapore Grand Prix is delayed by thunderstorm
Formula 1 has been branded an “absolute joke” after the start of the Singapore Grand Prix was delayed by more than an hour due to heavy rain.
A huge thunderstorm began battering the Marina Bay street circuit an hour before the scheduled start of the race, which was due off at 1pm UK time. The storm left huge puddles of water on the circuit and inevitably led to a delay before lights out.
The rain abated shortly after 1pm UK time and there were hopes the race could get underway soon after. However, to the disappointment of many fans, F1 announced the formation lap would not start until 2.05pm, more than an hour after the scheduled start.
READ MORE: Sky Sports reporter Ted Kravitz kicked out of interview area at Singapore Grand Prix
With the circuit expected to dry quickly, it could allow cars to start the race on intermediate tyres, with the blue-marked full wets potentially not required.
That has triggered criticism from fans, with many fans asking F1 why teams need to bring full wet tyres to races if they are not prepared to race in them.
“F1 has retired from racing in the wet,” tweeted one fan while another added: “No need to bring wet tyres every weekend.”
A third announced: “BREAKING: F1 is afraid of using Wet Tyres!” while another fumed: “Absolute joke, this is ridiculous.”
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A fifth fan called for the return of former race director Michael Masi, who lost his job following his bungled handling of a late-race safety car period in Abu Dhabi last year, which helped Max Verstappen pinch the title from Lewis Hamilton.
They asked: “Top class, pinnacle of professional motor racing, not afraid to showcase drivers’ skills in all conditions? Scared to go racing in wet conditions making a mockery of the sport. F1 is finished. Michael Masi needs to come back, he knows how to direct a sport.”
Charles Leclerc will start from pole with Sergio Perez alongside him on the front row. Lewis Hamilton is third with Carlos Sainz fourth. World champion Verstappen is down in eighth after being forced to abort his final lap in Q3 because of a fuel issue.
Having qualified down in 11th, George Russell will start from the pitlane after his Mercedes team changed his engine without prior permission of the FIA.
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