Formula 1 qualifying in the live ticker: How are the drivers doing after the explosion shock?

Created: 03/26/2022, 15:27

By: Christoph Gschossmann

Did the fastest lap in practice: Charles Leclerc in the Ferrari.

© Hassan Ammar/AP/dpa

The race in Saudi Arabia will probably take place - despite the explosion in an oil storage facility.

Qualifying in the live ticker.

Jeddah – Formula 1* plays with fire: The dark clouds of smoke were still rising in the sky over Jeddah when world championship leader Charles Leclerc from the Ferrari team* trotted into the paddock after a short night.

Despite an attack by Yemeni rebels within sight and smell of the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, the second race of the season is scheduled to take place on Sunday (7 p.m. CEST/Sky) as planned.

This was announced by Formula 1 and the World Automobile Association FIA.

The decision was made late: the pilots, who had apparently also been discussing a boycott late into the night, are grudgingly taking part in the show.

In a statement, the drivers' association GPDA described Friday as "a difficult day for Formula 1 and a stressful one for Formula 1 drivers".

Formula 1 in Saudi Arabia: difficult to concentrate on the GP

With the cloud of smoke in front of your eyes, it was difficult to stay fully focused on racing on the dangerous high-speed track, explained the drivers around world champion Max Verstappen and record champion Lewis Hamilton.

That's why we exchanged ideas until late at night.

A “many number of options” were discussed, as the saying goes.

Only after Saudi Arabian government officials had declared that security measures would be "raised to the maximum" did the pilots decide to get into the car as planned.

Drivers continued to express their hope that the Grand Prix would be remembered for a "good race" and not for Friday's incident.

However, that might be difficult.

Formula 1: Yemeni Houthi rebels attack refinery within sight of GP

Yemeni Houthi rebels had attacked an oil refinery within sight of the course on Friday afternoon.

During the first free practice, a large cloud of smoke was suddenly seen after an explosion, and there was a smell of burned oil.

The second training session started a quarter of an hour late, and the following media events were all cancelled.

A marathon of talks began between Formula 1, the FIA, the team bosses, the drivers and the Saudi side.