Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton, Alpine F1’s Fernando Alonso and Esteban Ocon leave a meeting after practice ahead of the Saudi Arabian F1 Grand Prix. Safety concerns rose after a missile attack just 7 miles from the Jeddah circuit.
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Formula 1 drivers are preparing to ask for more information on where the sport will be held in the future.
A number of drivers did not want to continue the Saudi Arabian GP race weekend after Friday’s missile attack just seven miles from the Jeddah circuit.
The incident is said to have increased drivers’ desire to discuss more influence on sports policy.
Drivers are set to meet F1 bosses following the events of the weekend, Sky Sports News reported on Monday.
On the agenda is the militant attack on the nearby Aramco oil facility.
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F1 will also present further details on the security measures that have helped protect the Grand Prix, although the future of the event itself is not seen in doubt despite concerns from some drivers.
Why do drivers want more influence on races?
F1 decides the calendar and seeks openness and collaboration with its various stakeholders, including all 10 teams.
A number of drivers feel that they are playing an increasingly important role as the face of the sport and carrying the brand’s message to the public.
Drivers have recently had to answer awkward questions about Saudi Arabia’s human rights record and the cancellation of the Russian Grand Prix following their invasion of Ukraine.
Talking about influencing these big issues, Lewis Hamilton said in Jeddah: “We don’t choose where we go [to race]. I think we have an opportunity to try – we have an obligation to try – and do what we can while we’re here.
Formula 1 has made greater driver interaction with the crowd an integral part of its plans in the post-Bernie Ecclestone era.
Fan interaction has evolved significantly over the past five years via digital and social media.
F1 intends to make a full assessment of what happened at Jeddah, which will be shared with everyone involved, including the drivers.
Meetings are expected to take place ahead of the next Grand Prix in Melbourne, Australia on April 10th.