(AFP via Getty Images)

Follow the action as the qualifiers for the Saudi Grand Prix begin. After a four-hour meeting between drivers and officials late last night, after Yemeni Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for a rocket attack on an oil installation less than 10 miles from the track, it was decided that the race would continue as planned. F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali insisted he had received “full assurances” from the Saudi government that there were no safety concerns despite the black smoke that was clearly visible from the track yesterday after the refinery hit. Some drivers are said to still be worried on Saturday morning, but must now turn their attention back to the track after Charles Leclerc scored a somewhat surprising victory in a thrilling start to Bahrain last weekend as Ferrari proved its resurgence. and Red Bull suffered a credibility nightmare. Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez were both forced to retire less than two laps earlier, allowing Carlos Sainz to complete a Ferrari one or two. Red Bull’s problems also gave something of a boost to Mercedes, which struggled a lot with pace all week, but Lewis Hamilton and George Russell managed to grab third and fourth place respectively. Follow all the latest updates and lap times from the following qualifiers:

Saudi Arabia F1 Qualifiers LIVE

Show last update 1648318485

Saudi Arabia Qualifiers

Max Verstappen has returned to his Red Bull, suggesting that the restart may not be far off. Tom Kershaw26 March 2022 18:14 1648318459

Saudi Arabia Qualifiers

The race director is out to inspect the track, where they did everything they could to clear all the debris. Tom Kershaw26 March 2022 18:14 1648317643

Saudi Arabia Qualifiers

Hamilton was interviewed shortly after the crash and was understood to be more focused on Schumacher’s condition. Regarding his failure to reach Q2 for the first time since 2017, the seven-time world champion says: “I just struggled with the balance of the car. Not where we want to be. “Unfortunately, he went the wrong way with the setup.” Tom Kershaw26 March 2022 18:00 1648317561

Saudi Arabia Qualifiers

The ambulance arrived at the medical center. We will bring you more updates as soon as they arrive. Tom Kershaw26 March 2022 17:59 1648317454

Saudi Arabia Qualifiers

They are removing Schumacher’s Haas car from the track now. The rear end is so damaged that, as it lifts in the air, the car splits almost completely in two behind the cockpit. Tom Kershaw26 March 2022 17:57 1648317201

Saudi Arabia Qualifiers

Mick Schumacher has now been transported by helicopter from the car and is being transported by ambulance. Tom Kershaw26 March 2022 17:53 1648316981

Saudi Arabia Qualifiers

There is great concern for Mick Schumacher, who remains in the cockpit after the crash. An ambulance is on the spot. Fortunately, the Sky cast says it’s talking and is fully aware. Tom Kershaw26 March 2022 17:49 1648316828

Saudi Arabia Qualifiers

Haas’s driver crashed into the concrete dam at turn 10, where he would be traveling at about 170 miles per hour. The car has been badly damaged and there will be a lot of debris to be cleaned. Tom Kershaw26 March 2022 17:47 1648316747

Saudi Arabia Qualifiers

Red flag! Huge crash for Mick Schumacher. Tom Kershaw26 March 2022 17:45 1648316572

Saudi Arabia Qualifiers

This is a good run by Mick Schumacher, but he quickly fell to the top by Charles Leclerc. The winner in Bahrain leads with a time of 1: 28: 883. They are fractional ahead of Sergio Perez and Max Verstappen. Carlos Sainz comes fourth and Fernando Alonso completes the top five as he is. Tom Kershaw26 March 2022 17:42