A huge cloud of smoke a few kilometers from the Jeddah Corniche circuit has sowed confusion in the paddock of the Saudi Arabian GP. According to the Reuters and AFP agencies, the group of Houthi insurgents in Yemen has claimed responsibility for a drone missile attack on the Aramco facilities in the city of Jeddah, about 15 kilometers from the route, in addition to the Ras Tanura refineries (al north and Rabigh (147 kilometers to the north) and Ras Tanura, at the other end of the Arabian Peninsula.
There was a meeting with the drivers and team managers before the second free practice, which was held normally. The pilots were told that the situation was “under control”, according to AS sources, they were asked for “calm” and they treated the incident “normally”. In any case, the issue will be discussed again after practice in the usual drivers’ briefing every Friday night.
Formula 1, through an official spokesperson, conveys that “the weekend will continue as planned” and that the safety of the event before the incident “is a priority for the authorities.”