Several Formula One drivers have spoken out about the security situation in Jeddah ahead of the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix after a missile struck near the circuit in 2022. Most drivers are satisfied with the current situation, but they are contradicted by Lewis Hamilton.
Several F1 drivers said during the press conference in Jeddah that they are satisfied with the adjustments made. For example, Kevin Magnussen stressed that there is currently a truce between the parties involved from last year, and Esteban Ocon is fully confident that the FOM and the organisation will ensure safety. Sergio Perez and Lance Stroll concur with their colleagues' words.
Hamilton not happy with Saudi Arabia situation
Hamilton, however, does not. Asked for his opinion on the situation, the Mercedes driver is not at all happy with the current conditions in Saudi Arabia: "All the opposite to everything they said," he says of his fellow drivers' statements. "Hopefully everyone has a safe weekend and, hopefully, everyone gets back safe afterwards, that’s as much as we can do, right?"
The 38-year-old Briton also thinks F1 should take a more proactive stance when it comes to human rights issues. "I still feel as a sport going to places with human rights issues such as this one, I feel that the sport is duty bound to raise awareness and try to leave a positive impact," he continued. "I feel like it needs to do more."