Mick Schumacher’s poignant nod to dad Michael during Belgian Grand Prix delay

There was little chance for Mick Schumacher to honour his dad Michael's legacy on the track on Sunday, but he did find a way to follow in his footsteps off it.

The Belgian Grand Prix was severely delayed due to the torrential rain, eventually getting underway more than three hours late with only two safety car led laps possible.

It meant drivers had a lot of hanging around to do, and German compatriots Schumacher and Sebastian Vettel found the perfect way to pass the time.

Schumacher, 22, and Vettel, 34, were filmed playing football with one another, taking turns to hone their skills and close control.

It was exactly the exercise Schumacher senior used to do whenever he encountered a delay at races.

Indeed, the seven-time world champion was far from a one sport man. He famously loved football, and in 2013 had the chance to show off his skills at Michael Ballack's farewell match – where he played for Ballack and Friends against a World XI.

He was the only man on the pitch who had not played at a professional level, and yet more than held his own in esteemed company.

And the now 52-year-old once hosted the preliminary draw for the 2006 World Cup alongside Brazilian legend Pele.

It's fair to say that Haas driver Mick's football skills didn't appear quite as sharp as those of his father, frequently using the wall, but he and Vettel clearly enjoyed their few minutes of light relief.

The pair had qualified in fifth (Vettel) and 16th respectively, positions that then stood when no competitive racing was possible, with half-points awarded to those in the top 10.

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen was declared the race winner, with George Russell rewarded for a great qualifying display in a modest Williams car by being awarded second. Lewis Hamilton was third, with the Mercedes driver seeing his Championship lead cut to just three points from Verstappen.

And it's Hamilton who has since led the calls for spectators to be reimbursed after having to wait around for hours in the rain, only to see a couple of minutes of action.

His words were later echoed by Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz, who said he hoped the FIA would consider a double-header in Spa in the future to make amends for Sunday's farcical scenes.

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