Formula 1 has officially confirmed the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix will go ahead as initially planned despite the event which took place on Friday, when the Yemeni terrorists launched a missile strike on an oil depot located 12 miles from the Jeddah Corniche Circuit.
A nearby fuel depot was targeted just as Formula 1 drivers were taking part in the first practice session for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, with black smoke billowing across the track, as could be seen from the live onboard videos.
In a joint statement released on Saturday morning, Formula 1 and its governing body, the FIA, confirmed they have been provided “full and detailed assurances that the event is secure”.
A statement released ahead of qualifying on Saturday read: “Formula One and the FIA can confirm that following discussions with all the teams and drivers, the 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 stakeholders to maintain a clear and open dialogue throughout the event and for the future.”
Charles Leclerc, Carlos Sainz and their fellow drivers met for nearly four hours in the Jeddah paddock on Friday night after the second free practice session, and into the early hours of Saturday morning. And by the end of the crisis summit, it is understood that Charles, Carlos and their fellow drivers were united in not wanting to take part in this weekend’s event given the circumstances.
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However, round two of the 2022 Formula One championship is set to continue, albeit overshadowed by Friday’s attack, with qualifying due to take place at 8pm local time (5pm UK). The al-Masirah satellite news channel run by Yemen’s Houthi rebels claimed they had attacked an Aramco facility in Jeddah. The same fuel depot, 12 miles to the east of the track, was attacked last Sunday.
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