F1 drivers ‘still concerned’ despite Saudi GP getting go ahead after missile strike

Ferrari’s team principal, Mattia Binotto, has admitted Formula One drivers are not 100% happy about taking part in Sunday’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. The drivers staged a four-hour crisis meeting which lasted until 2.30am local time on Saturday morning, following a missile strike on an oil refinery just 12 miles to the east of the Jeddah Circuit.

Yemen’s Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for the attack on the Aramco facility in Jeddah. It is understood a number of the 20-strong grid, including Britain’s seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton and two-time world champion Fernando Alonso, wanted to boycott Sunday’s race.

But F1 and its governing body, the FIA, issued a statement on Saturday morning declaring the second round of the new campaign will go ahead following “detailed assurances” from Saudi officials that the “event is secure”. “I don’t think we said they are 100% happy and fully relaxed,” said Binotto.

“Certainly they are still concerned but they have listened to the assurances we gave them and they understand the importance to stay here, and try to race because that is the best choice we can make. Leaving the country would not have been the right choice.

“There is no doubt that all of us were concerned because it is not a normal situation for something like this to happen so close to the circuit. But we have had assurances from F1, the Saudi government, and the security agencies that everything is safe, and that needed to be explained to the drivers.

“It was important for them to meet, discuss and raise their voice. They are the stars of the sport and it is important they are listened to. And while negative comments are not great, the fact they met and had the opportunity to argue and listen and to get