What Was the Missile Attack at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in F1?

Following the spectacular Bahrain GP under the floodlights, F1 is all set to race on the Jeddah track in the upcoming weekend. And as the F1 community approaches the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, the entire faculty will undoubtedly be recalling the tragic weekend that occurred the last year. What exactly happened last year?

During Friday’s first practice session, a missile was fired at an Aramco oil plant located 6.2 miles from the circuit. Drivers could smell smoke coming from the adjacent Aramco oil refinery, which was engulfed in flames. Later that evening, during the second session, spectators on the track could see the building’s fire. So, who committed this attack and why? A military spokesperson for Yemen’s Houthis claimed the attack on the plant, which is owned by F1 sponsor Aramco.

The Houthis have been fighting a coalition led by Saudi Arabia for seven years. Following the incident, the race’s future on the F1 schedule was questioned. The building that was assaulted was the same one that was targeted in a related incident just a few days prior. The idea that all of those attacks targeted oil infrastructure seems to have persuaded F1 executives that the weekend’s racing would be secure.

Saudi Arabian Grand Prix went on as scheduled despite the possible risk of getting a missile attack

Saudi Arabian authorities had claimed that the strikes had not resulted in any casualties. Citing that F1 announced that the race will take place in a statement at midday on Saturday, more than eight hours after the drivers had been persuaded the previous night not to boycott the event.

As per ESPN, the statement read, “ Formula One and the FIA can confirm that following discussions with all the teams and drivers, the 2022 FIA Formula One Saudi Arabian Grand Prix will continue as scheduled. Following the widely reported incident that took place in Jeddah on Friday, there has been extensive discussion between all stakeholders, the Saudi government authorities and security agencies who have given full and detailed assurances that the event is secure. 

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Discussions among Formula One team and drivers shifted from human rights to personal safety after a missile struck an oil depot. Soon, concerns were voiced about whether hugely profitable contracts signed with Bahrain, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia are worth it.

Is it smart for F1 to have secured hefty contracts with Bahrain, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia?

Once the race at the Jeddah circuit was over, many people questioned if it was safe to stay in Saudi Arabia and finish the second race of the year. The issue was especially highlighted given that Formula 1 has broken ties with Russia following its invasion of Ukraine. The Houthis, who are backed by Iran and took control of Sanna, the capital of Yemen, in 2014, is also being fought by a coalition led by Saudi Arabia.

Some of the F1 team principals added their opinions while talking about the 55 million deal per year with three middle eastern countries. As per CNN, at first, Jost Capito said, “It’s different if one country invades another country, or if something is going on with terrorists.” Whereas the ex-Mclaren team principal Andre Seidl remarked, ” I see the unique chance we have in sport to share this passion for Formula One, to drive this positive change. Not just on the economics, for the country here, but also in terms of positive change on the society.”

In addition, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, the three nations hosting the F1 race, are accused of “sports washing” their human rights in order to promote their countries. The idea that the presence of significant sporting events can act as a catalyst for change is well-known, and Stefano Domenicali, the CEO of Formula One, seems to share this view as well. He said, “We believe what we’re doing will have a very positive impact in the political situation.” 

WATCH THIS STORY: F1 Drivers Threaten Saudi Arabian GP Boycott After Missile Attacks

Having said that, with statements like these, the fans can think that the F1 apart from racing is also playing a role in bringing a change to the nations where basic human rights are lacking. However, we can’t forget the FIA is also having a hefty contract with these nations, so who knows if it’s all about the funding? Do share your views on it.