F1 drivers hold talks over viability of Saudi Arabian GP

Formula One drivers will hold further talks over the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix’s future as questions continue over the viability of the race after a missile attack on an oil refinery near the Jeddah circuit.

The talks would be via a virtual call in the coming days or in-person at the Australian Grand Prix on April 10.

After an extraordinary four-hour meeting on March 25, drivers were ready to withdraw, only to be persuaded by F1 bosses to continue following assurances from Saudi authorities.

Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton expressed his relief that this year’s Saudi race was over, adding that he was just so happy that everyone is safe.

This year’s winner Max Verstappen also expressed concerns over returning to Saudi Arabia next year.

According to Verstappen, they were given a lot of guarantees that it would be safe but all the drivers together will speak with F1 and the team bosses to see what is happening in the future.

Formula One is in only the second year of its ten-year deal reportedly worth US$650 million with Saudi Arabia.

F1 continues to be criticized for staging a race in Saudi Arabia due to its human rights record.

In addition to the Grand Prix, Saudi-owned oil company Aramco also signed a ten-year deal that is reportedly worth more than US$450 million as a global partner of the series in March 2020.