‘No right reasons to leave’ - How F1 team bosses viewed Jeddah attack

Following an extraordinary meeting that lasted more than four hours and stretched into the early hours of Saturday morning, the drivers agreed to continue with the second round of the 2022 F1 season in Saudi Arabia after an attack was launched on an Aramco oil plant just miles from the Jeddah circuit during Friday practice.

It is understood that several drivers expressed concerns over safety and highlighted their unease at the situation but a dramatic stand-off was averted when F1 team principals intervened in the meeting to provide “full and detailed assurances that the event is secure”.

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A report by the BBC suggested the drivers may have been pressured into proceeding with the weekend after being informed about the potential consequences calling off the race might have, such as delays in personnel or freight leaving the country.

“I don’t think that’s the point,” replied Binotto when asked if there was any coercion involved in the decision-making process.

“The drivers met together, certainly they were concerned. After the facts of yesterday, no doubt all of us were concerned. The concerns need to be translated into considerations and discussions.

“We as a team had assurances from F1, from the Saudi government authorities and security agencies that everything would have been safe and under control. That was needed to be explained to the drivers and the situation makes them understand that we are safe and secured.

“After long discussions, which are important to have in a transparent way, I think they understood and supported the fact that it is important to stay and remain in Saudi and drive for the weekend.

“Leaving the country, it would not have simply been the right choice. I think there was no right reasons to leave the country after the facts that happened and with the assurance that we get.

“They met, they had their own concerns, they raised them, but I think altogether we got the right assurances and explanations as well.”

Binotto stressed that the lengthy driver meeting was crucial in order to reach the “right conclusions” as a whole for the sport.

“There are 20 drivers and they’ve got their own single opinion,” he explained when asked why it had taken so long. “It was important for them to have a chat and at least try to raise the right questions.

“I think it was simply a long, positive and constructive discussion. We should not forget that those guys have got a voice. They are the drivers, they are the stars of our sport and their voice is an important one.

"At least as the Ferrari team principal, I believe it is important to listen to them, as it is important to explain to them the considerations and what we believe is right.

"As team principals, we have got the duty and it’s our role to try to explain the considerations so that they can have their own proper, right arguments and conclusions.”

In response to the same question, McLaren team principal Andreas Seidl said: “Our drivers are the heroes of the sport, it’s important that they have a strong voice for what is right for the sport and therefore it makes absolute sense that they have this discussion between them.

“At the same time, it was important to also share our different views on what happened yesterday. In the end, we all came to the same conclusion that it is the right thing to continue with the weekend after we got assurances that we’re safe here.

“Let’s not forget it’s not just about drivers or team principals here, it’s about 2000 members of the F1 paddock here. We had to make the right decision together with the FIA and F1 for all of us.”

However, neither Binotto or Seidl went as far to say that their drivers are 100% happy to race this weekend.

“I don’t think we said that they are 100% happy and fully relaxed,” Binotto replied when asked that question.

“I think there are still concerns but they are listening to the assurances that we gave them and they understand the importance to stay here and somehow try to race because that is the best choice we can do.”

Haas F1 team principal Guenther Steiner insisted he would not have stayed in the country if he did not feel assured about safety.

“We were given assurance from the authorities we are safe, I believe in that one,” he said. “I spoke with my team this morning and I said I feel safe, trust my words, and we want to race.

“We have so many assurances that it will be the okay, so I’m happy to be here and get the weekend going again.”

Williams boss Jost Capito echoed Steiner’s comments, adding: "We got the same assurances, we believe in it.

“We also had always all the information to the team, we did the team briefing twice, and we did the team briefing again this morning, and I assured the team that if I wouldn’t be very sure if we would be safe and secure we wouldn’t be here.”

Meanwhile, new Aston Martin team principal Mike Krack said: “It was the same for us. We thought it was good we had a good exchange on what was then opinion between team principals and drivers and at the end of the day, I think we find a good solution.”