The Houthis Attack Aramco Facilities Near The Jeddah Circuit, Formula 1: The Race Continues

Saudi Arabia Formula 1 race. (Photo: Twitter @F1)

JAKARTA - A shocking incident occurred not far from the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, Saudi Arabia. The Houthi group, a militia from Yemen, launched an attack on Aramco facilities on Friday, March 25, local time.

This attack led to speculation that the Saudi Arabian Formula 1 race would be cancelled. However, the speculation was ultimately unfounded.

Formula 1 decided to continue holding the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix after receiving security guarantees from local authorities.

"We have received total assurances that the security of the country comes first," said Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, after meeting with drivers, teams and local government representatives.

"They have put in place all the systems to protect this region, the city, the place where we will race. So we feel confident and we have to trust the local authorities in that," he continued.

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem said the attacks targeted economic infrastructure and not citizens.

"We have the highest assurance that this is a safe place, all these things will be safe and let's race," said Ben Sulayem.

The first signs of an attack were seen as black smoke billowed in Jeddah, east of the circuit. At that time, the drivers had their first training session which went smoothly on Friday.

The Formula 2 qualifying session is also proceeding as scheduled. The start of the second F1 training session will be delayed by 15 minutes because the teams and drivers were called to a meeting with Domenicali.

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff said the teams had agreed to go ahead with the race and Red Bull team boss Christian Horner condemned the attack.

"Any act of terrorism is inexcusable," Horner told Sky Sports F1. "This sport should not be intimidated into such a position and situation is unacceptable."

Earlier, the Houthi group said it launched an attack on Saudi Arabia's energy facilities, hitting a distribution station for the state-owned oil products company Aramco. Two oil tanks caught fire but no casualties were reported.

The Houthis launched missiles and drones at Saudi Arabia's energy and water desalination facilities on Sunday last week, the energy ministry and local news agencies said.