WATCH: The long-delayed Belgian GP starts behind the Safety Car before being red flagged

The 2021 Belgian Grand Prix proved to be the shortest race in F1 history – once it finally got going.

After a delay of more than three hours because of heavy rain at Spa-Francorchamps, the Safety Car finally led the field out onto the track, with pole-sitter Max Verstappen at the head of the train.

READ MORE: Verstappen takes win and Russell first podium in shortest ever Grand Prix as heavy rain hits Spa

It had been hoped that their might be a break in the weather to allow racing to go ahead, but after just a handful of laps behind the Safety Car it became clear the rain was still too heavy and the visibility caused by spray still too poor, so Race Director Michael Masi had no choice but to throw the red flag.

And with darkness approaching, it was announced soon afterwards that the race would not resume, making the 2021 Belgian GP officially the shortest in the history of F1.

Hit play on the video above to see how it played out under dark skies at Spa...