Yemeni Houthi rebels have claimed responsibility for an attack on Aramco’s facilities in Jeddah. It is understood that a number from the grid of 20, including seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton and two-time world champion Fernando Alonso, wanted to boycott Sunday’s match. But F1 and its governing body, the FIA, issued a statement Saturday morning saying the second round of the new campaign would take place after “detailed assurances” from Saudi officials that “the event is safe”. “I do not think we said we are 100% happy and completely relaxed,” Binotto said. “They are certainly still worried, but they have heard the assurances we gave them and they understand the importance of staying here and trying to fight because this is the best choice we can make. Leaving the country would not be the right choice. “There is no doubt that we were all worried because it is not normal for something like this to happen so close to the circuit. But we had assurances from F1, the government of Saudi Arabia and the security services that everything was safe and that it had to be explained to the drivers. “It was important for them to meet, to discuss and to raise their voices. They are the stars of the sport and it is important that they are heard. And while the negative comments are not great, the fact that they met and had the opportunity to disagree and to listen and receive reassurance was important and positive. “ Quick guide

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Thank you for your response. The sport faces charges of forcing drivers to race after being hit by a rocket during training on Friday night. Black smoke was visible from the circuit and the fire continued to rage on Saturday. A statement from the Grand Prix Driving Association read: “Yesterday has been a difficult day for Formula 1 and a stressful day for us Formula One drivers. and Jeddah’s challenging track, but seeing the smoke from the incident made it difficult to remain a fully focused racing driver and erase the natural human concerns. “Therefore, we have had long discussions with each other, with the managers of our teams and with the senior people who run our sport. A wide variety of views were shared and discussed and, having heard not only the Formula 1 forces but also the Saudi government ministers explaining how the security measures are being maximized, the result was a resolution that we would implement and fulfill today and fight tomorrow. “So we hope that the Grand Prix of Saudi Arabia 2022 will be remembered as a good match rather than for the incident that took place yesterday.” The fire at Aramco’s oil depot was still burning on Saturday after the Houthi rebels fired on Friday about seven miles from Jeddah’s F1 circuit. Photo: Hassan Ammar / AP F1 is just making its second appearance in Saudi Arabia. The country is estimated to pay around 50 50 million a year to host the race – one of the most lucrative in the history of the sport. A pre-qualifying statement on Saturday read: “Formula 1 and the FIA ​​can confirm that after discussions with all teams and drivers, the Saudi Grand Prix will resume as scheduled. “Following the widespread incident in Jeddah on Friday, there was widespread discussion among all stakeholders, including the Saudi government and security services, who gave full and detailed assurances that the incident was safe. It has been agreed with all stakeholders to maintain a clear and open dialogue throughout the event and for the future. “ Former F1 driver Ralph Schumacher has reportedly left his television duties at Sky Deutschland to leave for Saudi Arabia. Schumacher, whose nephew Mick is fighting for Haas in Jeddah, said: “It is only 20 kilometers away. If it’s really an attack, then I’m really surprised what we’re still doing here. We have to pack our things as soon as possible and leave such a country.