After attack on oil plant
F1 expert Schumacher leaves Jeddah
03/26/2022, 11:10 am
While Formula 1 decides to drive in Jeddah despite the attack on a nearby oil plant, others are drawing consequences: expert Ralf Schumacher and Sky commentator Sascha Roos fly back to Munich. Even a former world champion is harshly criticized.
Sky expert Ralf Schumacher is on his way back to Munich after a rocket hit near the Formula 1 race track in Jeddah to comment on the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix from there. “If we’re on time, it should still work with FP3,” wrote the former Formula 1 driver on Instagram with a view to the third free practice session at 3 p.m. German time.
As confirmed by the pay TV broadcaster, Schumacher and commentator Sascha Roos decided to return to Munich after consulting the editors. Sky also gave its other employees the freedom to stay in Saudi Arabia or to travel back.
Schumacher had already expressed himself very critically on Friday and, after the attack on an oil plant belonging to Formula 1’s main sponsor Aramco, pleaded for the race to be canceled. The Houthi rebels, against whom Saudi Arabia is at war in Yemen, took responsibility for the attack.
“Formula 1 is literally playing with fire”
Former world champion Damon Hill was also outraged. “How inappropriate is that? No need to worry. The race is on. (…) Formula 1 is literally playing with fire,” wrote the 61-year-old Briton, who works as an expert for Sky UK, on Twitter.
Despite the explosions and a large cloud of smoke a few kilometers from the paddock, Formula 1 initially held its second practice session on Friday. After urgent consultations, those responsible for Formula 1 and the organizers had assured that safety for the remainder of the Grand Prix weekend was guaranteed.
Formula 1 and the world motorsport association FIA confirmed in a statement in the morning that after discussions with the teams and drivers, the Grand Prix should be held as planned. The Saudi government and the security authorities had assured in detailed discussions that the event was safe, it said. The last practice session and qualifying are scheduled for Saturday, the race is scheduled for Sunday.