F1 told to ‘pack up and leave Saudi Arabia’ after missile attack

Ralf Schumacher has condemned the decision to go ahead with Saudi Arabia Grand Prix amid security concerns following a missile attack in Jeddah on Friday.

On Saturday it was confirmed that the race would go ahead as planned following lengthy meetings between Formula One’s key decision makers, the drivers and their teams.

The decision to race was taken less than 24 hours after a missile attack on an oil facility located less than 10 miles from the track.

Smoke was still clearly visible from the scene of the explosion as the likes of Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen turned up for pre-qualifying this morning, but the sport’s governing body confirmed that the event had been given the green light.

An F1 statement said: ‘Following the widely reported incident that took place in Jeddah on Friday, there has been extensive discussion between all stakeholders, the Saudi government authorities and security agencies, who have given full and detailed assurances that the event is secure.

‘It has been agreed with all stakeholders to maintain a clear and open dialogue throughout the event and for the future.’

Not all the drivers were said to be happy with the decision, while former F1 star and Sky Sports Germany presenter Ralf Schumacher struggled to comprehend how the organisers had come to their verdict.

Schumacher, who has reportedly left the country along with a number of his German media colleagues said: ‘It’s only 20 kilometres away. You don’t really feel good there.

‘I’m really surprised what we still doing here. You should pack up as soon as possible and leave a country like that.’

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