F1 and FIA release an official statement confirming the 2022 Formula 1 Saudi Arabian GP will continue as scheduled

F1 and FIA release an official statement confirming the 2022 Formula 1 Saudi Arabian GP will continue as scheduled

Fumes seen during the FP1 of the Saudi Arabian GP

FIA was put in a difficult situation after what happened in Saudi Arabia. A fire broke out in Jeddah just ahead of the race in the country. The incident wasn’t confirmed by the authorities straightaway but later on it was confirmed when Yemen’s Houthi rebels took full responsibility of the terrorist attack that had taken in the country. This left FIA with a crucial decision to make.

The dilemma was quite clear in front of the FIA. On side, we have the financial aspect of the race. The cancellation of the race will cost millions of dollars to the organization and its different promoters. On the other hand, it was the safety of the drivers. The FIA have now released an official statement that race will go on as scheduled. This took hours of deliberation but eventually the organization reached this conclusion.

This has got to be one of the most difficult that has had to make keeping in mind the complexities of the decision. This decision required every driver and all the team principals to be brought in a room but it took more than 4 hours to get a go ahead from the paddock. This means there must have been clear difference in opinions.

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Also Read: “They are targeting the infrastructure, not the civilians” Mohammed Ben Sulayem optimistic about Saudi Arabian GP despite ‘drone attack’ at nearby Aramco Oil Factory

Damon Hill has made that clear that FIA is playing with fire as the organization decides to go ahead with the race

Fumes behind the McLaren in FP1 of Saudi Arabian GP
Fumes behind the McLaren in FP1 of Saudi Arabian GP

This has raised eyebrows outside the paddock. Damon Hill showed his discontentment towards the decision. He took to twitter and wrote, ““How incongruous is this?”

“Nothing to be alarmed about. Race On. will be interesting to see how this is dealt with. F1 literally playing with fire.” As reported by gpfans.

But the response of the F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali was quite clear as he said, “We feel safe.” We all want to see racing action as the season has brought in that expectation and anticipation. But more importantly we want all the drivers and the crew to be safe. We all hope that the Grand Prix is conducted safely and everything falls into place.

Also read: “F1 playing with fire in Saudi Arabia,” Damon Hill skeptical of Jeddah GP going forward after unexpected Houthi attack