A number of Formula 1 drivers spoke out on Thursday in Jeddah regarding their comfort levels racing in Saudi Arabia after the 2022 missile attack several kilometres from the track.
The drivers, as well as F1 and FIA representatives, held a crisis meeting late into Saturday morning last year regarding the remainder of the race weekend.
The event went ahead, but the topic was brought up once more in Saudi Arabia, one year on from the incident.
A number of drivers stated that the assurances they have received from the FIA and local authorities have put their minds at ease.
“Although I can’t speak for the other 19 drivers, but generally, I think we’re happy and have no concerns with the changes that have been put in place ahead of this year,” said Mercedes’ George Russell.
“But I think there were a lot of lessons to be learned from what happened 12 months ago, and Formula 1 have really stepped it up.
“And not just in regards of what’s happening here in Saudi but for all of the grand prix we go to.”
Charles Leclerc said: “We’ve had a meeting with the FIA, and obviously the people involved in government for our securities.
“There have been some improvements, and obviously they are pushing quite a lot on that after seeing what happened last year.”
“None of us enjoyed it,” exclaimed Kevin Magnussen, “but I think it’s a different situation now, a different protocol and a ceasefire between the two parties that were involved last year and that gives some confidence.”
Added Lance Stroll: “I trust the organisation, I trust Formula 1, that they are looking after us, and think this race has evolved a lot over the last few years.”
Red Bull’s Sergio Perez quipped: “I’m happy to back. As a sport I think we are able to also help the country to evolve for the people that are living here.
“This is something as a sport we can be proud of, and on the other hand we fully trust the organisations that bring us here to compete in a safe place.”
“I’m happy we are racing here,” Lando Norris said. “I think Formula 1 and what we are doing as a sport is a good thing. So, yep, not worried about anything.”
After his colleagues were asked about racing in Saudi Arabia again, Hamilton said: “Not much really to add. All the opposite to everything they said.”
When asked to elaborate on what he meant, Hamilton replied: “I didn’t elaborate on it so it’s open to interpretation!
“Hopefully everyone has a safe weekend and hopefully everyone gets back safe afterwards, that’s as much as we can do, right?”
Hamilton has highlighted across the last handful of years that F1 is duty-bound to raise awareness over human rights in countries it visits.
His comments on Thursday in Jeddah were no different.
“What I try to do is try to learn as much as I can when I go to these different places,” he said.
“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.
“I feel like it needs to do more. What that is, I don’t have all the answers. We always need to do more to raise awareness for things people are struggling with.”
