F1 reassures drivers ahead of Saudi Arabian GP

Formula 1 returns to Saudi Arabia this weekend, a year after a missile hit the oil depot near the circuit during race week.

And while drivers expressed confidence in safety ahead of Sunday’s contest, seven-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton again addressed the issue of human rights in the kingdom.

F1 has assured drivers that security measures will prevent the race from being impacted like last year when Yemeni Houthi rebels hit a warehouse 11km from the practice session. The attack gave rise to hours of discussions between pilots, organizers and partners.

The attack came two weeks after 81 people were mass executed in Saudi Arabia – the largest mass execution in the reign’s modern history.

Saudi Arabia is one of many countries accused of using sport to whitewash its image regarding human rights abuses. Others include Bahrain, which staged F1’s first race two weeks ago and Qatar, which hosted the World Cup last year and is also hosting an F1 Grand Prix.

The pilots were asked about their return to Jeddah after the attack a year ago.

“We trust F1 and the organization to ensure our safety,” said French driver Esteban Ocon. “Obviously it was terrifying what happened last year and nobody wants to go through that again.”

The Mercedes driver was asked if he was happy to compete in Saudi Arabia.

“It’s open to interpretation,” Hamilton said. “Hope everyone is having a safe weekend.”

Later, they asked him if he considered not competing in Saudi Arabia because of the human rights issue.

“The fact is that if I’m not there, Formula 1 will continue without me. When you go to different places, I think the sport has an obligation to make the problems visible”.

QUESTIONS TO FERRARI

Ferrari had to answer questions about the reliability of its car after Charles Leclerc had to retire towards the end of the Bahrain Grand Prix following engine failure as he was on the verge of finishing third.

Leclerc will start Sunday’s race with a 10-place penalty after Ferrari used a third electronic engine control unit.