Friday’s day at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix was marked by a missile attack on an Aramco oil facility less than 16km from the circuit during early practice, and Formula 1 held talks with all 20 drivers to ensure their safety during the rest of the weekend.
However, after their usual pre-race debriefing in Jeddah, the drivers separately discussed their concerns over the rest of the weekend, finally deciding after four hours and almost 2.30 in the morning to go ahead.
At that meeting, the drivers did not agree to go ahead with the grand prix, but after speaking with F1 officials, team bosses and local authorities agreed.
On Sunday after the race, Mercedes director Toto Wolff said the talks took place without any pressure being put on the drivers by team representatives.
“There was no pressure from us, we didn’t twist anyone’s arm, there were good discussions,” Wolff said.
“When the team principals talked to the drivers, I think what we mentioned made sense to them and there was no pressure, but maybe that was perceived in a different way.
“In the end, the show and the show was amazing and what we offered as a sport was great. That’s what sport should do.”
“To be honest, in five years here I have seen a change. And I repeat what I said before: this is where we are, but there is much more to do, much.”
The F1 Drivers’ Association (GPDA) issued a statement after Friday night’s meeting saying there were “obvious human concerns” about the race. In addition, several drivers see it necessary to talk about the future of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix after this edition.
F1 boss Stefano Domenicali said the series “is not blind” to concerns about continuing to race in Saudi Arabia, but said it also “plays a very important role in the modernization of this country”.
On Saturday, Wolff insisted on the need to “give people a chance to improve themselves” and that F1 would help highlight Saudi Arabia’s problems.
“Saudi Arabia and other countries in the Middle East share the same values and the same culture as we do in Europe? No,” Wolff said.
“Are they where we want them to be? No. Can we, looking here, put the spotlight on this place, racing here in Formula 1, making those issues visible and therefore making it a better place? I still think that Yes”.
“I’d rather come here and shine a spotlight on the region to be a better place than say, ‘I’m not going there and I don’t want to know about it.'”
