“Safest place you can be in Saudi Arabia at the moment,” Toto Wolff’s assessment on the ongoing crisis ahead of F1 Grand Prix


“Safest place you can be in Saudi Arabia at the moment,” Toto Wolff’s assessment on the ongoing crisis ahead of F1 Grand Prix

Toto Wolff

The Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has recently shed light on yesterday’s meetings that took place between the drivers, principals, and the FIA chiefs regarding the ongoing crisis at the nearby Aramco Oil Factory.

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Toto Wolff has deemed the Jeddah Cornich Circuit as the “safest place” to be around at the moment.

Formula One has decided to go ahead with this Sunday’s Grand Prix even after witnessing the second practice session take place under a puff of smoke and flames.

Aramco Oil Factory
Aramco Oil Factory

In the aftermath of the attack, it was discovered that the explosion was caused by a “missile attack” by the Yemeni rebels, the Houthis.

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The FIA met twice with the drivers and team Principals before and after the free practice 2 session to discuss the incidents of the Aramco Oil Factory and to come to a conclusion regarding the whole incident and this Sunday’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

Toto Wolff on the meeting with the FIA

Toto Wolff
Toto Wolff

It was a good meeting,” said Wolff after leaving the second meeting.

The drivers are going to talk now in the drivers’ meeting.”

We, the team principals, have been assured that we are protected here. This is probably the safest place you can be in Saudi Arabia at the moment and that is why we are racing.”

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Asked if the decision to press ahead with the weekend had been a unanimous agreement, Wolff hinted there may have been some voices opposed to continuing with the weekend among the drivers, adding: “Between the team principals, yes.”

The one thing that is worth noticing here is the fact that Toto Wolff only talked about the team Principals and it seems there were a few drivers who were skeptical regarding the race.

Saudi Arabian Grand Prix
Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

Well, that doesn’t matter now as the decision to go ahead with the race has been taken and it will only be changed if anything significant takes place between today and tomorrow to call the race off.

Today is the Qualifying for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix and teams should now focus on the race rather than focusing on what is happening around them. Today is an immensely important day for all the teams and it is going to be interesting to see who manages to come out on top.

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

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