F1 drivers want clarity from F1: 'That's what they promised us'

There is unrest in the F1 paddock about the future of Saudi Arabia on the F1 calendar. Not only is the circuit seen as dangerous, but the country is not a safe place. This was confirmed on Friday when a missile attack caused a blaze not far from the Jeddah Corniche Circuit.

The attack came from the Houthi rebels from Yemen. They have been in conflict with Saudi Arabia for a long time. This has been going on for a number of years and more and more in the F1 paddock are wondering if it is safe to travel to the Middle Eastern country in the future. A 15-year agreement was signed between the organization and F1 in 2021, but that contract is now in question.

Russell wants talks with F1 management

George Russell, director of the Grand Prix Drivers Association (GPDA), explains to The Race that talks will be held with F1's leadership about the future of the circuit. "Obviously it’s going to need some clarity after this race weekend, where we go from here." According to Valtteri Bottas, F1 has promised in conversation with the drivers that after the Grand Prix they will think and hold talks about the safety of countries such as Saudi Arabia.

"Formula 1 promised us to reconsider all the events for the future, including this one, to make sure that we go to the right places so that they can guarantee our safety 100% every time we go there." Where the drivers are thus clearly expressing their opinions, the team bosses and F1 management are not venturing into such statements yet and are keeping quiet.

F1 keeps away from political decisions

Formula One CEO Stefano Domenicali even thinks the Grand Prix will be back on the calendar next year. "Of course there is tension, things to improve, we don’t want to be political on that, but I believe we are playing a very important role in the modernisation of this country" according to Domenicali. In any case, there will be a lot of talks in the near future about the future of Saudi Arabia on the F1 calendar.