Formula One must listen to calls led by Lewis Hamilton to modify the Belgian Grand Prix circuit Spa-Francorchamps following the recent deaths of two drivers. According to reports, the Belgian Grand Prix is expected to win a fresh two-year contract to remain on the F1 calendar until 2025.
While the development is welcome news for most F1 fans, the sport’s authorities must listen to drivers about some of the dangerous conditions at Spa. Several stars have raised concerns about the track in recent years, particularly following the deaths of Dilano van ’t Hoff and Anthoine Hubert.
Van ‘t Hoff died this summer at a rain-soaked Formula Regional European by Alpine Championship. The motorsport driver was just 18 years old when he lost his life.
Formula Two driver Hubert was killed on the same track under the same circumstances four years earlier. Motorsport stars have since called for changes and after the Belgian Grand Prix was given a further two-year F1 contract, those individuals must now be listened to.
Mercedes star Hamilton said in June: “I think it’s definitely devastating to see that we’ve lost two youngsters in such a short amount of time. But I do trust the FIA, they’ve done such a great job with safety. I know that’s such a focal point for them.
“They make so many changes year on year at every circuit and I’m sure they’ll be looking very much into Eau Rouge and whether or not we can improve that.”
An infamous part of the track changes elevation. The seven-time world champion added: “We do need to make some changes because clearly, you’re coming over a hill, you can’t see anything in the bad weather conditions. This has happened now twice, so we definitely need to take a step.”
Lance Stroll also criticised the Eau Rouge and Raidillon complex, insisting: “Every time we go through there, we put our lives on the line.”
Meanwhile, Esteban Ocon said that the visibility for drivers is a huge issue, saying drivers are often “blind”. He said: “There needs to be a review on everything that happened. It is a tragedy.
“The visibility is definitely the main factor in that race. For most of us, we drive blind in that moment so I’m sure the FIA is looking into it to try and improve the situation. The issue is that we should not learn the hard way. It’s a very sad moment for motorsport.”
The onus is now on F1 bosses to make the changes to ensure drivers feel safe at the Belgian GP.
