Lewis Hamilton has provided a cautiously "opposite" view to Formula 1 returning to the Jeddah Corniche Circuit in Saudi Arabia. The 2022 event was rocked by safety concerns after missiles struck an oil depot around 10 miles from the circuit. The full race weekend continued, but only after lengthy conversations between drivers, organisers and Formula 1. The event was run without further disruption, and the organisers have sought to give increased safety reassurances ahead of the 2023 event.
Ahead of the Saudi Arabian GP, many drivers were asked if they had concerns about their safety during the event. Most drivers expressed varying degrees of confidence about their safety, but none went as far as to say they felt unsafe at the Jeddah venue. Hamilton, who was the final driver to be asked about his thoughts about returning to the venue, simply described his views as being "opposite" to all other drivers. "I've not much really to add. All the opposite to everything they've said," Hamilton responded to media, including RacingNews365.com . When asked to explain his "opposite" viewpoint, Hamilton was unwilling to express his views further, and turned his attention to the "awesome" track. "I didn't elaborate on it, so it's open to interpretation," added Hamilton. "I'm looking forward to getting back in the car, for sure. "The track is pretty awesome, and I'm looking forward to the challenge of trying to figure out whether or not we're closer this weekend or whether we be further behind. So, that part of my job I'm excited about." When asked if he took issues with the safety or political aspects of hosting an F1 race in Saudi Arabia, Hamilton responded: "I don't want to get into either [topic]. Hopefully everyone has a safe weekend, and hopefully everyone gets home safe afterwards. That's as much as we can do, right?"
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