Saudi Arabia Formula One Grand Prix to go ahead despite attack on nearby oil depot

Despite a raging fire at a nearby oil depot following an attack, the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix maintained business as usual on Friday night, with the Formula One race on Sunday also expected to go ahead.

After Yemen’s Houthis rebels acknowledged they launched attacks on the kingdom, Saudi Arabian state TV said there was a «hostile operation» that targeted the Jiddah oil depot, which erupted in flames during the first practice about 11km from the F1 circuit.

Despite this, the second practice was delayed by just 15 minutes following a meeting between drivers, team principals, F1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali, and Mohammed Ben Sulayem, president of motorsport governing body FIA.

Drivers did not talk about the attack after practice, with comments in media releases limited to the day's racing.

Max Verstappen told his team he could smell the smoke from the fire during the first practice session.

“I smell burning — is it my car?” he said over the team radio.

Race promoter Saudi Motorsport Company said nothing would change with regards to the third practice and qualifying scheduled on Saturday and the race on Sunday.

«We are aware of the attack on the Aramco distribution station in Jeddah earlier this afternoon and remain in direct contact with the Saudi authorities,» the SMC said in a statement.

«The race weekend schedule will continue as planned. The safety and security of all our guests continues to be our main priority and we look forward to welcoming fans for a weekend of premium racing and entertainment.»

The attack targeted the same fuel depot the Houthis attacked in recent days — the North Jiddah Bulk Plant just south-east of the city’s international airport, which is a crucial hub for Muslim pilgrims heading to Mecca.

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