The decision by those responsible for Formula 1 to continue the race weekend after the attack close to the track was met with criticism from some GP veterans. Ralf Schumacher has left the country.
The thick column of smoke coming through Yemen’s Houthi rebel attack was triggered on a system near the track owned by the oil company and Formula 1 sponsor Saudi Aramco, could already be seen during the first free practice session for the Saudi Arabian GP. After nightfall, the major fire that broke out as a result of the attack continued to blaze.
Against this threatening backdrop, several meetings were held between those responsible for the FIA and Formula 1 as well as the GP organizers and World Championship participants. The result of the hours of talks was: The race weekend in Saudi Arabia will continue. Rumors of a possible driver boycott turned out to be false. The team bosses were unanimous in favor of the continuation, explained Mercedes Motorsport Director Toto Wolff in the “Sky Sports” interview.
The decision was criticized by many fans and some former Formula 1 drivers. Ralf Schumacher said before the attack was confirmed by Sky’s German colleagues: “If that’s really the case, then I can only say that I’m surprised what we’re still doing here.”
“Then we should really pack up and leave the country as soon as possible. Because I think sport and such issues don’t belong together,” he added. The 46-year-old later confirmed on Instagram with pictures from the airport that he would leave the country for Munich.
Damon Hill was also critical. The 1996 world champion wrote on Twitter: “How absurd is that? Nothing to worry about. The race is on. It will be interesting to see how this is handled. F1 is literally playing with fire.”
2. Training, Jeddah
01. Charles Leclerc (MC), Ferrari F1-75, 1:30.074
02. Max Verstappen (NL), Red Bull Racing RB18, 1:30,214
03. Carlos Sainz (E), Ferrari F1-75, 1: 30.320
04. Sergio Pérez (MEX), Red Bull Racing RB18, 1:30,360
05. Lewis Hamilton (GB), Mercedes W13, 1:30,513
06. George Russell (GB), Mercedes W13, 1:30,664
07. Lando Norris (GB), McLaren MCL36-Mercedes, 1:30,735
08. Esteban Ocon (F), Alpine A522-Renault, 1:30,760
09. Valtteri Bottas (FIN), Alfa Romeo C42-Ferrari, 1: 30,832
10. Yuki Tsunoda (J), AlphaTauri AT03, 1:30,886
11. Fernando Alonso (E), Alpine A522-Renault, 1:30,944
12. Pierre Gasly (F), AlphaTauri AT03, 1:30,963
13. Mick Schumacher (D), Haas VF-22-Ferrari, 1:31,169
14. Lance Stroll (CDN), Aston Martin AMR22-Mercedes, 1:31,372
15. Daniel Ricciardo (AUS), McLaren MCL36-Mercedes, 1: 31,527
16. Nico Hulkenberg (R), Aston Martin AMR22-Mercedes, 1:31.615
17. Guanyu Zhou (RC), Alfa Romeo C42-Ferrari, 1:31,615
18. Nicholas Latifi (CDN), Williams FW44-Mercedes, 1:31,814
19. Alex Albon (T), Williams FW44-Mercedes, 1:31,866
20. Kevin Magnussen (DK), Haas VF-22-Ferrari, 1: 32,344
1st training, Jeddah
01. Charles Leclerc (MC), Ferrari F1-75, 1:30.772min
02. Max Verstappen (NL), Red Bull Racing RB18, 1:30,888
03. Valtteri Bottas (FIN), Alfa Romeo C42-Ferrari, 1: 31,084
04. Carlos Sainz (E), Ferrari F1-75, 1: 31.139
05. Pierre Gasly (F), AlphaTauri AT03, 1:31,317
06. Yuki Tsunoda (J), AlphaTauri AT03, 1: 31,505
07. Sergio Pérez (MEX), Red Bull Racing RB18, 1:31,563
08. Esteban Ocon (F), Alpine A522-Renault, 1:32,026
09. Lewis Hamilton (GB), Mercedes W13, 1:32,364
10. Fernando Alonso (E), Alpine A522-Renault, 1:32,381
11. Daniel Ricciardo (AUS), McLaren MCL36-Mercedes, 1: 32,506
12. Lance Stroll (CDN), Aston Martin AMR22-Mercedes, 1:32,582
13. Lando Norris (GB), McLaren MCL36-Mercedes, 1:32,594
18. Guanyu Zhou (RC), Alfa Romeo C42-Ferrari, 1:32,608
14. George Russell (GB), Mercedes W13, 1:32,839
16. Nico Hulkenberg (R), Aston Martin AMR22-Mercedes, 1:33.034
15. Alex Albon (T), Williams FW43B-Mercedes, 1:33,087
17. Nicholas Latifi (CDN), Williams FW44-Mercedes, 1:33,529
19. Mick Schumacher (D), Haas VF-22-Ferrari, 1:34,429
20. Kevin Magnussen (DK), Haas VF-22 Ferrari, no time