“Half of Them Don’t Live in the Real World Anyway” – Saward Questions the Intention of F1 Drivers Amidst Recent Demands

Last week’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix had stunning racing all over the track. Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc’s battle in the last part of the race provided viewers all around the world with a sense of excitement and sporting drama. However, the excitement for the Grand Prix was marred a little by a fire near the Jeddah Circuit ahead of qualifying.

Smokes filled the air during Free Practice 1, and reports of a loud explosion the following day during the FP2 session cast a doubt on everyone’s mind. A meeting between the drivers took place after FP2 and it went on for over 4 hours. According to BBC, drivers were visibly concerned about going racing the following day.

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However, senior officials in Formula 1, including F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, assured the safety of the drivers. Many drivers also expressed their concerns after the race and demanded a voice regarding the selection of venues. Meanwhile, F1 Journalist Joe Saward criticized the drivers for their reaction and voiced his trust in Domenicali.

Joe Saward wants drivers to trust Stefano Domenicali

F1 journalist Joe Saward strongly suggested that drivers should not have the upper hand in taking decisions regarding geopolitical problems. According to him, they should trust the decisions made by F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali as the Italian has more knowledge than the drivers regarding the situation.

He said, “Why should the drivers decide what we do? Are they aware of the geopolitical problems involved? Are they more aware than Stefano Domenicali? No, they’re not! No, they’re not. That would be the tail wagging the dog, wouldn’t it? I’ll be honest; I don’t think the drivers should have that power because they don’t know as much as Stefano Domenicali does.”

Saward voiced his trust in Stefano Domenicali and insisted the drivers do the same. He also criticized the F1 drivers, suggesting they ‘don’t live in the real world’ and, as a result, most of them do not have awareness of the circumstances.

He added, “I would rather make it rely on decisions made by him (Stefano Domenicali) rather than a bunch of drivers who half of them don’t live in the real world anyway and the other half, why should they have that power?”

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Earlier, Lewis Hamilton revealed his desire for the drivers to have a voice in where they go racing. He said, “We don’t decide where we go (to race). I think we do have an opportunity to try – we are duty bound to try – and do what we can while we’re here.”

The incident in Saudi Arabia has led to many questions on whether the Grand Prix should continue in Jeddah. Should Formula 1 go back to Saudi Arabia next year? Leave your thoughts in the comments.