Former Ferrari driver Gerhard Berger says F1 should consider banning wet races. F1 should consider banning wet races – Berger.

Former Scuderia Ferrari driver Gerhard Berger feels Formula 1 should take into consideration the idea of banning racing in the rain altogether. The big discussion in the sport has been the Belgian Grand Prix, where only two laps were completed behind the safety car, as many believe this should no longer be considered an official ‘race’.

“When you see the podium photos with their trophies in the newspaper, that is actually not right,” the former Scuderia Ferrari and McLaren driver, and current DTM series boss, as reported by Servus TV – “The situation was difficult, I understand that. But I think they have to decide whether we drive in the rain or not. The Americans once said in Nascar sport that they simply don’t drive in the rain.” – he explained.

From his perspective, Gerhard Berger sees nothing wrong with Formula 1 continuing to charge ahead with wet races.

“You know where it is dangerous and where there is aquaplaning. In my entire career there has only been one race that was really critical. But we said ‘Ok, it’s difficult, but let’s go!’” – he added.

Regarding the recent Spa-Francorchamps race which was suspended after almost thee hours of waiting for weather conditions to improve, the former Ferrari driver admits it was “dangerous” but “I think it was possible to drive. We also have good run-off areas,” the Austrian insisted. “If the water drains away to some extent, it is possible. You just have to take your foot off the gas.”

Gerhard Berger sides with those who think Sunday was essentially a failure of leadership in Formula 1.

“In our time the leadership was very strong,” he said. “Bernie Ecclestone decided and he was very, very clear. I remember when he started that race in Adelaide (in 1991).”

However, that doesn’t mean Gerhard Berger is critical of Formula 1 race director Michael Masi: “He does a good job,” he said. “In these cases, it is also about much bigger issues with insurance and much more. But fans sitting in the rain for ten hours and getting nothing to see – that can’t be. It’s always easier to talk the next day, but sorry – my opinion is that if there are wet races in Formula 1, then there are wet races in Formula 1.” – he concluded.