After hours of meetings between the team, drivers and Formula 1, it has been decided that the Grand Prix of Saudi Arabia will continue this weekend.
Although there has been a long talk about canceling the race due to the rocket attack a few kilometers from the circuit on Friday, those involved report that racing will take place on the circuit in Jeddah on Saturday and Sunday.
Guarantee safety
All team bosses gathered earlier in the evening after the second free practice session to be updated by Formula 1 director Stefano Domenicali and FIA international motorsport federation chairman Mohammed Ben Sulayem. They gave the assurance that the track is safe and that the local authorities can also guarantee that safety.
To race or not to race?
However, the drivers were also in a meeting, as some reportedly expressed doubts about whether the race should go ahead. After hours of consultation, the team bosses and George Russel have resumed talks with Domenicali on behalf of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA). Red Bull team principal Christian Horner would have said afterwards that there will be racing, reporters from motorsport media report. The drivers would have agreed to that.
Also read: Verstappen satisfied after ‘smooth’ training sessions in Saudi Arabia
Missile attack
During Friday’s first training session, rebels from Yemen launched a rocket attack on a complex of the state oil company Aramco, about ten kilometers away from the circuit. A thick cloud of smoke spread through the air and was clearly visible from the street circuit in Jeddah.
‘It smells burnt’
Max Verstappen was one of the first to notice that something was wrong during the first free practice. “It smells burnt. Is that my car?” the Red Bull world champion shouted over the radio to the pits.
Live
The Grand Prix of Saudi Arabia starts on Sunday at 19:00 Dutch time. The race can then be followed live via L1 Radio and 1Limburg.
Watch the latest episode of Pitlane, L1’s motorsport program here: