Formula 1 bosses plan to explain to the teams and drivers why the sport will continue racing in Saudi Arabia following their controversial 2022 visit, RacingNews365.com understands. The second instalment of F1's estimated $55million-per-year agreement to race in Saudi Arabia saw the drivers locked in lengthy talks over whether or not the event should continue after a missile strike on a nearby Aramco oil depot. Yemini Houthis claimed credit for the attack, which resulted in billowing smoke being visible from the Jeddah Corniche Circuit during Friday afternoon's practice session. After discussions lasting over four hours, the drivers agreed to race following assurances from the local government and F1 bosses that all stakeholders at the Corniche Circuit were safe.
F1 plans to continue racing in Saudi Arabia
During the weekend, a number of drivers and Team Principals expressed a desire for further discussions over the future of Grand Prix racing in Saudi Arabia. Amongst them was Alfa Romeo racer Valtteri Bottas, who explained to media, including RacingNews365.com , that F1 bosses had told drivers they would "reconsider" their position. Speaking after the race, the Finn said: "F1 promised to reconsider all the events for the future, including this one, to make sure that we go to the right places where they can guarantee our safety 100 per cent, always, when we go there." RacingsNews365.com understands that F1 now plans to discuss the matter with teams and drivers in greater detail, and to establish what can be learned from the weekend's proceedings. However, an F1 source is adamant that there are no plans to withdraw from Saudi Arabia. It is expected that the meeting will be held ahead of the Australian Grand Prix (8-10 April) but could be convened later should there be any delays.
Domenicali: We will never jeopardise the safety of our people
Speaking to Sky Sports F1 during the Saudi Arabian GP weekend, Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali was asked whether the sport should be going to countries currently involved in war. He responded: "It's a matter of definition, is a terrorist attack a war? We are talking about sport. "We are, of course, in contact with all the authorities, with all the embassies, with all the right governing bodies. We will follow that and we will never be in a situation that can jeopardise the safety of our people – and this is not the case [here]. "I'm pretty sure that, as I said, something related to the situation will be considered, but in the right way."
Most read
