Jeddah (dpa) – For Formula 1, the Grand Prix in Saudi Arabia is playing with fire. Despite the rocket attack by Yemeni Houthi rebels on a plant belonging to the energy giant Aramco near the track in Jeddah, the racing series is holding on to the second round of the season.
“The program of the race weekend will take place as planned,” confirmed the Saudi Motorsport Company shortly after the shock at Friday practice. The fire at the oil factory of Formula 1 main sponsor Aramco was visible from afar during the night.
The war that Saudi Arabia is waging against the Houthi rebels in neighboring Yemen has suddenly come very close to the racing series. Saudi Arabia has long been criticized for the conflict that triggered one of the biggest humanitarian catastrophes of the moment. The organizers announced that all necessary measures would be taken to ensure the safety of the race. “We are delighted to be able to welcome the fans to a weekend of high-class motorsport and entertainment,” the statement said.
unanimous decision
“We have received assurances that this place is safe,” said World Federation chief Mohammed Ben Sulayem. This was preceded by urgent talks with security authorities and the Saudi government. “We were assured that we are protected here,” said Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff. So it was unanimously decided to continue.
But is it really that simple? The Formula 1 leadership tried to calm drivers and team bosses in two short-term meetings. You have to rely on what the organizers say and trust Formula 1, said McLaren team boss Andreas Seidl on Sky TV. But not only the Passau seemed shaken.
“It’s not normal,” said Red Bull Motorsport Director Helmut Marko. Just a few weeks ago, the racing series canceled the contracts with Russia for the planned Grand Prix in Sochi and St. Petersburg because of the war in Ukraine. “Who could have imagined that such a war would be possible in Europe. Where is it safe and where is it no longer safe?” said Marko, also under the impression of what happened in Jeddah.
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criticism of Saudi Arabia
The guest appearance in Saudi Arabia was criticized beforehand. The kingdom is accused of serious human rights violations. The country just executed 81 people in a single day. World champion Lewis Hamilton described the reports of Saudi human rights violations as “elusive”.
The sport took a backseat to Friday’s chilling images. Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc was the fastest in practice, closely followed by Red Bull driver Max Verstappen. For the qualification on Saturday (6 p.m. / Sky), another close duel between world championship leader Leclerc and world champion Verstappen for pole position is to be expected. But most of the conversations in the paddock are initially about completely different topics.