F1 Belgian GP red-flagged after formation lap behind Safety Car

With the Spa-Francorchamps circuit blanketed by mist and consistent heavy rain, the race start was initially delayed by 25 minutes before the field was eventually led away from the grid behind the Safety Car.

After one full formation lap, the red flag was brought out following a number of complaints from the drivers, with race control announcing the start procedure had been suspended.

While polesitter Max Verstappen felt conditions were race-able, a number of his rivals reported concerns over aquaplaning and visibility.

World championship leader Lewis Hamilton said: "I really can't see anything.”

McLaren’s Lando Norris added: “It's pretty awful. I can barely see the car in front.”

Alfa Romeo driver Antonio Giovinazzi reported conditions were “underivable.”

It is the third consecutive race that has been red-flagged this season after the British and Hungarian grands prix.

During the suspension, Red Bull asked FIA race director Michael Masi if Sergio Perez would be able to compete if the team can fix his car after the Mexican crashed on his way to the grid. 

"That would be a no," responded Masi. "Because he's had outside assistance to get back in."

Red Bull sporting director Jonathan Wheatley replied: "It's not Le Mans, so I think he can do that, and mechanical assistance only counts in the race"

Red Bull mechanics are currently working on Perez's car after it was recovered from Les Combes and returned to the garage.