Activity at the 2022 Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix was overshadowed by an explosion near the street circuit that hosts the second round of the season.
Shortly after the start of the first free practice session of the event in Jeddah, a large column of black smoke could be seen in the sky, caused by the explosion in an Aramco oil infrastructure, a few kilometers away from the international airport of the Arab city and the layout itself.
At first the cause was unknown, but over time it was discovered that the fire was caused by a missile attack carried out by the Hautis, the Yemeni rebels, according to news agencies.
The start of the second free practice session was delayed by 15 minutes because an emergency meeting was held between F1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali , drivers and team principals to discuss the feasibility of the event.
Shortly after the end of the meeting an official statement was issued: “Formula 1 has been in close contact with the competent authorities following the situation that has occurred today. The authorities have confirmed that the event can continue as planned and we will continue in contact with them, with all the teams and we will monitor the situation closely.”
At the end of Free Practice 2 the team managers, organizers, drivers and F1 met again keeping the event going.
Toto Wolff , Mercedes team boss, said the decision was unanimous among team principals, adding that he feels safe at the facilities at the Jeddah track.
“It has been a good meeting, the pilots are going to speak now in a meeting with the team leaders, and they have assured us that we are protected here,” said the head of the Silver Arrows when leaving the room.
“This is probably the safest place to be in Saudi Arabia at the moment. That’s why we’re running.”
