Saudi Arabian Grand Prix: Formula 1 drivers to hold talks with bosses over future of race

Formula 1 drivers are set to hold discussions over the future of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix after agreeing to yesterday’s race going ahead.

A missile strike on a nearby oil depot in Jeddah in the lead-up to this weekend’s grand prix cast doubt over its running, with drivers finally persuaded to take part in qualifying and the race itself following four hours of crisis talks on Friday night.

However, despite that driver U-turn there remain serious misgivings on the grid about a return to Saudi despite F1 only being two years into a 10-year deal to race there worth £50million. Further sponsorship nearly doubles the amount Saudi Arabia is worth to F1’s coffers each year.

Race winner Max Verstappen was among those to raise doubts about a return to the Middle East country next season.

He said: “We had a lot of guarantees that of course it would be safe but, after this weekend all the drivers together, we will speak with F1 and the team bosses to see what is happening for the future.”

Further down the grid, Lewis Hamilton could not have sounded less keen on racing in Saudi again.

Along with Sebastian Vettel, who missed the race because of Covid, he has been the most outspoken driver against the Saudi regime.

It is thought that the seven-time world champion was one of the strongest voices pushing for the drivers to boycott the race in the wake of the missile strike by Yemen’s Houthi rebels.

“I am just looking forward to getting out,” Hamilton said following the race. “I am so happy the weekend is done. I am so happy that everyone is safe. I am just looking forward to getting out. I just want to go home.”

Hamilton’s compatriot Lando Norris echoed the uncertainty over a weekend that will be remembered both for the safety