Drivers still locked in lengthy Saudi GP discussions

Team bosses agreed to carry on with the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, but the drivers it seems have not reached such a decision yet.

Serious question marks over the continuation of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix emerged on Friday, with news of a suspected missile attack on a nearby Aramco oil refinery breaking during practice.

Smoke could be seen in the sky from the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, with flames visible once night fell.

As F1 bosses met before the start of FP2, the session was delayed by 15 minutes, but it did commence and was completed before further discussions took place after the session.

With the team bosses all in agreement and the safety of all those at the track assured, it was confirmed that the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix will continue as planned.

So the drivers actually are in their own meeting now after the team bosses gave their unanimous stance to carry on.#F1 #SaudiArabianGP https://t.co/LzK8lHodC9

— PlanetF1 (@Planet_F1) March 25, 2022

But, this was followed by a meeting with the drivers, which was nowhere near as swift.

Formula 1 president and CEO Stefano Domenicali was called in to get involved with proceedings. Mercedes duo Lewis Hamilton and George Russell could be clearly seen from the pictures.

This is turning out to be a very lengthy driver meeting. #F1 CEO Domenicali was called in half way through. #SaudiArabiaGP pic.twitter.com/l5DLVfTBij

— Motorsport Week (@MotorsportWeek) March 25, 2022

AlphaTauri’s Pierre Gasly was on the scene too speaking with Hamilton.

Lewis and Pierre at the drivers meeting. pic.twitter.com/40DMA3vlCG

— soph (@sophwebsterxx) March 25, 2022

From there further reinforcements arrived as Ross Brawn, Formula 1’s managing director entered the room.

Ross Brawn has now joined. We