Report: Cancelation of Saudi Arabian GP Could Lead to ‘Consequences’ for F1

Formula 1 is back again, as Saudi Arabia is all set to host the second race of the season. Friday saw teams complete two practice sessions with qualifying on the agenda on Saturday. Charles Leclerc finished the fastest in FP2 on the timesheet, overcoming the challenge from Max Verstappen. However, a reported explosion near the Jeddah F1 circuit grabbed the headlines on Friday. Many in the circuit saw smokes flare in the air during the FP1 session.

As a result of the explosion, there was a 15 minute delayed start to the FP2 session. The drivers and team principals also attended a meeting with F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali to discuss the incident. The Italian reassured the teams that security is at the highest priority for the race.

The meeting continued after the FP2 session as well. It went on for over four hours. And, according to BBC, drivers were also visibly concerned about their safety and security after witnessing smoke in the sky during FP1. Meanwhile, the post media session after the FP2 was also canceled.

In the end, Domenicali and F1 managing director, Ross Brawn, ultimately convinced the drivers and teams about their safety by providing the necessary details required. It is believed that some details included the ramification of not going ahead with the race event, and the difficulty of the teams to leave the country. It sounded as if the drivers and teams could find themselves grounded at Jeddah if the Saudi Arabian GP fails to take place.

So, Formula 1, while assuring maximum safety, concluded that the race will continue as scheduled.

F1 released a statement

F1 released a statement before the meeting after FP2 took place. It read, “Formula 1 has been in close contact with the relevant authorities following the situation that took place today. The authorities have confirmed that the event can continue as planned and we will remain in close contact with them and all the teams and closely monitor the situation.”

The president of Formula 1, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, also chipped in with his opinion. He guaranteed that safety was the prime concern as he assured the teams. He said, “They are targeting the infrastructure, not the civilians, and, of course, not the track. We’ve checked the facts and we’ve got assurances from the highest level that this is a secure place. Let’s go on racing.” Earlier, reports also confirmed that an attack on the Aramco facility in Jeddah took place a few days back.

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Coming back on to the track, Charles Leclerc continued his fine form as he finished first on the timesheet closely followed by Max Verstappen. FP2 saw Ferrari and Red Bull dominate again. Meanwhile, Mercedes bounced back after a disappointing FP1 as they finished P5 and P6. Lando Norris was the best of the rest as McLaren hope to bounce back after a torrid start to the season.

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The drivers’ and teams’ safety remains the question that looms large over everyone’s mind. The FIA has assured them and will hope the race carries on as scheduled with no interruption.