(Jeddah) “I can’t wait to leave,” replied Briton Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) after qualifying for the Saudi Arabian F1 GP on Saturday, the day after the attack on an oil site near the Jeddah circuit by Yemeni Houthi rebels.
Posted at 3:48 p.m.
Asked about the championship organizers’ decision to continue on Saturday and Sunday, which the drivers agreed to after more than four hours of discussions overnight from Friday to Saturday, the seven-time world champion replied: “I am not yet able to comment on this. Together, as a group, we discussed and made a decision as a sport, so…”
Relaunched on the importance of this collegial decision-making, he let go: “I have no particular feeling about it, I can’t wait to leave”.
The attack in Jeddah is part of a wave claimed by the Houthis on Friday, on the eve of the seventh anniversary of the intervention of the military coalition led by Riyadh in Yemen, to support the government against rebels close to Iran.
It caused a gigantic fire and a cloud of black smoke visible from the circuit during free practice 1 at 5 p.m. local time.
Worried about the safety of the GP, the drivers debated it among themselves, as well as with the leaders of their teams and of F1 until 2:20 a.m. and separated without officially giving their position.
“After discussions with all teams and drivers, the Saudi Arabian Formula 1 Grand Prix will continue as planned,” the Formula 1 promoter and the International Automobile Federation (FIA) finally specified in a press release to midday Saturday.
“Extensive discussions were held between the stakeholders, the Saudi government authorities and the agencies responsible for the security which gave complete and detailed assurances on the security of the event”, added these authorities.
Through the voice of their association (the GPDA), the drivers then expressed their “resolution to participate in practice and qualifying today (Saturday) and the race tomorrow (Sunday)” at 8 p.m. (7 p.m.) .
Hamilton will start in 16and grid position after poor qualifying.