Saudi GP to go ahead despite 'human concern' after dramatic drivers' meeting
The Grand Prix Drivers' Association said on Saturday after it was confirmed that the race would go on: "Yesterday was a difficult day for Formula 1 and a stressful day for us drivers.
"Perhaps it is hard to comprehend if you have never driven an F1 car on this fast and challenging Jeddah track, but on seeing the smoke from the incident it was difficult to remain a fully focused race driver and erase human concerns.
"Consequently we went into long discussions between ourselves, with our team principles, and with the most senior people who run our sport. A large variety of opinions were shared and debated and, having listened not only to Formula 1 powers but also to the Saudi government ministers who explained how security measures were being elevated to the maximum, the outcome was a resolution that we would practice and qualify today and race tomorrow."
The FIA and F1 said on Saturday morning: "Formula 1 and the FIA can confirm that following discussions with all the teams and drivers, the 2022 FIA Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix will continue as scheduled.
"Following the widely reported incident that took place in Jeddah on Friday, there has been extensive discussion between all stakeholders, the Saudi government authorities and security agencies who have given full and detailed assurances that the event is secure.
"It has been agreed with all the stakeholders to maintain a clear and open dialogue throughout the event and for the future."
Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 'attack': Dramatic drivers' meeting explained
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali and FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem called the first of a series of emergency meetings which delayed the start of second practice by 15 minutes.
Domenicali confirmed that all 10 teams had unanimously agreed in the initial meeting to proceed with the Saudi Arabian GP after receiving guarantees over security at the event.
But several drivers are understood to have expressed concerns over the race going ahead, resulting in an extraordinary meeting between all 20 drivers which lasted until the early hours of Saturday morning.
F1 team principals rejoined the meeting at one stage, before leaving. The drivers finally broke off discussions at around 11.30pm GMT (2.30am local time).
Despite indications that some drivers were unhappy to race and were willing to stage a potential boycott, agreement was eventually reached to continue with the event as scheduled after further information was provided by their bosses.
Team principals including Red Bull’s Christian Horner, Mercedes’ Toto Wolff, and McLaren boss Zak Brown were heard stating “we will be racing” as they left the paddock at the end of a dramatic day.
Domenicali had insisted that security for the grand prix has been a priority for the authorities, while Ben Sulayem stressed that the Jeddah race would not be a target.
What was the 'attack' near the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix?
Smoke was seen billowing in the distance from the track during the opening practice session on Friday.
Yemen’s Houthi rebel group claimed responsibility for the attack on the oil depot. The same group targeted the same location just days earlier as part of a long-running conflict with Saudi Arabia.
A statement from the Saudi Motorsport Group read: “We are aware of the attack on the Aramco distribution station in Jeddah earlier this afternoon and remain in direct contract with the Saudi security authorities, as well as F1 and the FIA to ensure all necessary security and safety measures continue to be implemented to guarantee the safety of all visitors to the F1 STC Saudi Arabian Grand Prix as well as all drivers, teams and stakeholders.
“The race weekend schedule will continue as planned. The safety and security of all our guests continue to be our main priority and we look forward to welcoming fans for a weekend of premium racing and entertainment.”
F1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix: Free Practice 1 full results | Free Practice 2 results
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Ferrari's Charles Leclerc had earlier set the pace during the first and second practices, following up last week's Bahrain Grand Prix win.
Final practice is scheduled for Saturday at 2pm GMT before qualifying at 5pm GMT.
