F1 have issued a statement confirming that the 2022 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix will go ahead as planned, despite drivers meeting for over four hours last night to discuss the current situation.
During the final moments of FP1 on Friday, there were reports of heavy smoke near the circuit and a smell of burning by drivers like Max Verstappen. It was later revealed that Yemen’s Houthi rebel group had targeted an Aramco oil refinery several miles from the track, something they took responsibility for.
All F1 drivers at the circuit met with senior F1 officials before FP2 yesterday, which delayed the session by 15 minutes, and were reassured that things would resume as normal.
However, at the end of the day’s running, and after the teams ‘unanimously’ decided for the race to continue as planned, the drivers had their own meeting, which lasted into the early morning hours.
As conversations escalated between the drivers, with it being understood that some were not happy racing in these circumstances, team principals and representatives, and other top figures within F1 and the FIA, were called into the meeting.
The meeting ended at 2:30 am, local time, and now F1 have made their own statement in response to the exceptional conditions.
Statement from Formula 1 and the FIA pic.twitter.com/ZX1gEp8uPN
— F1 Media (@F1Media) March 26, 2022
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