Before that, the Formula 1 management and the team bosses had already agreed that the race weekend would continue as usual, but the drivers then decided to convene a meeting together. It was clear that at least five drivers – reportedly including Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso – would rather not race in Saudi Arabia.
A point was then reached where the other drivers showed solidarity, even after Domenicali and sporting director Ross Brawn joined the maintenance and then left the room. At about half past two in the morning (half past twelve in the Netherlands), the drivers were one hundred percent behind the position not to continue racing, after which all team bosses reported back to the meeting room at the beginning of the paddock.
The team bosses apparently managed to convince the drivers in a subsequent half-hour meeting that racing was really the best option and that the local authorities guarantee that safety is guaranteed. The level of security around the circuit has been increased and anti-aircraft guns are also present. In addition, the security organizations are convinced that the circuit is not a target of the Yemeni rebels.
Half an hour later, the team bosses left the room again, to head for the Formula 1 leadership. A little later, George Russell also reported there on behalf of the drivers. Shortly afterwards, at 2:30 am in Jeddah, it became clear that the race weekend would continue as usual.