During lengthy conversations that lasted more than four hours, the drivers spoke with senior F1 executives and team leaders to express their concerns. Initially, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali and F1 Motorsports CEO Ross Brown were called to the drivers’ meeting, before being asked by team leaders to attend. The team bosses then had further conversations with Domenicali while the drivers continued their discussions which lasted around 2.20am. And while there was a possibility that the drivers chose not to race because they were unhappy with the situation, well-informed sources say the concerns were finally addressed. It is not clear exactly what assurances were given to the drivers and what information they requested, but it is understood that the drivers eventually agreed to race. Stefano Domenicali, CEO, Formula 1, Mohammed bin Sulayem, President, FIA, leave the media center Photo: Carl Bingham / Motorsport Images The unprecedented discussions with the drivers came after Domenicali assured the team bosses of safety guarantees in Jeddah. He said F1 was happy to continue the race because of promises made to it by Saudi officials. “We have received full assurances that, for the country, security comes first, regardless of the situation – security must be guaranteed,” he said. “They [local officials] they are here with their families, in fact here on the track, so they have all the systems to protect this area, the city and the places we go. “This is how we feel confident and we have to trust the local authority in this regard. Therefore, of course, we will proceed with the event “. Read also:
title: “Saudi Arabian Gp Remains On After Risk Of F1 Driver Boycott Headed Off " ShowToc: true date: “2022-11-29” author: “Laura Robinson”
During lengthy conversations that lasted more than four hours, the drivers spoke with senior F1 executives and team leaders to express their concerns. F1’s first CEO, Stefano Domenicali, and F1 motorsports CEO Ross Brown were called to the drivers’ meeting, before the team directors were called to attend. The team bosses then had further conversations with Domenicali, while the drivers continued their discussions which lasted around 2.20 am. local time. And while drivers may have chosen not to race because they were unhappy with the situation, well-informed sources say their concerns have finally been met. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes-AMG, George Russell, Mercedes-AMG Photo: Carl Bingham / Motorsport Images It is not clear exactly what assurances were given to the drivers and what information they requested, but it is understood that the drivers eventually agreed to race. The unprecedented discussions with the drivers came after Domenicali assured the team bosses of safety guarantees in Jeddah. He said F1 was happy to continue the race because of promises made to it by Saudi officials. “We have received full assurances that, for the country, security comes first, regardless of the situation – security must be guaranteed,” he said. “They [local officials] they are here with their families, in fact here on the track, so they have all the systems to protect this area, the city and the places we go. “This is how we feel confident and we have to trust the local authority in this regard. Therefore, of course, we will proceed with the event “.
