Saudi Arabian Formula One Grand Prix to go ahead despite attack on nearby fuel depot

Formula One bosses have said Sunday's Saudi Arabian Grand Prix will go ahead despite an attack on a nearby fuel depot during practice.

Black smoke billowed across the Jeddah circuit as seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton and his fellow drivers took part in the first action of the weekend.

World champion Max Verstappen reported to his Red Bull team over the radio that he could detect the smoke.

"I smell a bit of a burning feeling," he said. "I am not sure if it is my car, or another car."

The al-Masirah satellite news channel run by Yemen’s Houthi rebels claimed they had attacked an Aramco facility in Jeddah. The same fuel depot, around 19 kilometres to the east of the track, was attacked on Sunday.

Second practice did not start until 8.15pm (5.15pm Irish time) following a short delay as the drivers and team principals were called by F1 boss Stefano Domenicali for a crisis summit.

It is understood a second meeting was set to be held at 10pm (7pm Irish time).

Shortly after the summit, race organisers said the grand prix – only the second to be staged in Saudi Arabia – will go ahead as scheduled.

A statement from the Saudi Motorsport Company read: "We are aware of the attack on the Aramco distribution station in Jeddah earlier this afternoon and remain in contact with the Saudi security authorities, as well as F1 and the FIA to ensure all necessary security and safety measures continue to be implemented to guarantee the safety of all visitors to the Formula One Saudi Arabian Grand Prix as well as the drivers, teams and stakeholders.

"The race weekend scheduled 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