After Friday’s attack on Jeddah, the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix was in the shadows. There was confusion all around to find out if the race would still go ahead under such circumstances. However, F1 released a statement stating that the event is a go. Despite the decision, Ferrari drivers Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz aren’t totally happy with the decision.
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After the overnight discussion with the organization, the drivers, the authorities, everyone concluded that they can go ahead with the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. Red Bull top executive Helmut Marko justified the move saying that with safety the race can move forward.
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The Italian team comes to Saudi Arabia after taking 1-2 in Bahrain. Talking about the attack, team principal Mattia Binotto conveyed in an interview, “I’m not saying the drivers are 100 percent happy, but they understand. Positive that they have voiced.” The top executive of the Italian team also stated, “Leaving the country was not the right choice.”
McLaren’s boss, Andreas Seidl also agreed with the Ferrari boss. Seidl asserted, “It is important that last night we and the drivers took the time to get a good picture of what happened and what we can expect in terms of safety. In the end, we decided that it was correct to allow the event to go ahead. We feel comfortable with that decision.”
What’s on the other side of F1 Jeddah GP?
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The decision to go ahead with the Grand Prix gives a strong message to the world, the authorities think. Talking about the drivers, it is believed that they lack focus and aren’t actually happy about it. The drivers put across the thought of losing their focus as they take to the track for FP3 on Saturday evening, followed by the Q1, Q2, and Q3.
Large fire at Aramco facility in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia after Houthi missile attack. It’s worth noting that the Formula 1 is in Jeddah this weekend. pic.twitter.com/Ozk35ekuu0
— Kyle Glen (@KyleJGlen) March 25, 2022
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F1 is a billion dollar sport. And there is no surprise that hosting a race takes millions. Apart from safety issues, there are financial matters that are taken into consideration as well. The sport is here for some days now and the tickets, the broadcasting rights are all sold for the race. Withdrawing from the event will see both organization and the local authorities suffer huge losses. Should F1 race in Jeddah this week? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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