Hulkenberg, who claimed the first podium finish of his F1 career at the British Grand Prix earlier this month. was eventually eliminated in 14th as Sauber team-mate Gabriel Bortoleto reached Q3. Bortoleto will line up 10th on Sunday’s starting grid in Belgium.

While a cautious approach was the safer option at Spa, another element loomed in the air: the future of wet-weather racing