F1 drivers set for meeting as Saudi safety concerns persist

Formula 1 drivers will meet race bosses in the near future to reflect on the last few days in Saudi Arabia, with it revealed some did not want to carry on with the race after a missile strike nearby.

Friday’s practice sessions at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix were overshadowed in worrying style as a missile strike, credited to Houthi rebels, hit a nearby Aramco fuel depot.

Indeed, the plant was only 7 miles away from the circuit and the blast sent huge, billowing black plumes of smoke in the air as well as flames, which could be seen from the track.

Naturally, it was concerning for all involved and talks between the sport and the team bosses, and then the drivers, went late on into Friday evening.

After a four-hour discussion with the drivers, it was confirmed that the planned racing schedule for the weekend would go ahead and, duly, it did with Sergio Perez taking pole on the Saturday and Max Verstappen winning the race itself on the Sunday.

However, it was reported at the time after the meeting that some of the drivers had concerns grave enough that they did not want to race initially, and had to be talked around into doing so.

That said, then, Sky is reporting that a meeting will be held between the drivers and race bosses in the near future to look back on the last few days and to discuss the safety concerns that naturally still persist despite the weekend at least playing out without further incident: