The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix will go ahead – despite a terror attack just six miles from the circuit.
Formula 1 bosses and the FIA released a fresh statement ahead of qualifying to confirm that the race in Jeddah was on despite serious concerns.
The race will go ahead
A raging fire could be seen from the circuit
It read: “Formula 1 and the FIA can confirm that following discussions with all the teams and drivers, the 2022 FIA Formula 1 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.
“It has been agreed with all stakeholders to maintain a clear and open dialogue throughout the event and for the future.”
A missile attack occurred six miles from the circuit where the likes of Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen are competing.
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Yemen’s Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for the attack on an oil depot which caused a huge fire.
Formula One chiefs held talks late into last night and have consistently said the race will go ahead.
Friday’s practice was delayed by 15 minutes after frightened drivers were called into a meeting with Formula 1 president Stefano Domenicali regarding the terror attack.
Black smoke could be seen in the sky near the circuit, as videos on social media showed the Aramco facility nearby engulfed in flames.
As a result of the explosion, flights from Jeddah are being held at sea or diverted.
Such was the magnitude of the explosion, Red Bull star Verstappen asked his team if his car was on fire.
Unaware of the chaos just miles from the circuit, a panicked Verstappen radioed his team to ask if there was an issue with his Red Bull after smelling smoke.
The reigning F1 world champion asked: “I can smell burning.. is it my car?”
To which Red Bull declared the smell and smoke was not due to a fault in their car.
Defiant Red Bull boss Christian Horner insisted last night: “The sport has to stand together collectively. Any act of terrorism cannot be condoned.
“The sport shouldn’t be bullied into a situation that isn’t acceptable. There have been assurances from the organisers and we’ll be going racing.”
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Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff added: “We have been assured we are protected here and it’s probably the safest place you can be in Saudi Arabia at the moment and we are racing.
“It was a unanimous decision by the team principals.”
The fire was visible from the track
It sent plumes of black smoke into the sky
