Ralf Schumacher has condemned the decision to proceed with the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix saying Formula 1 should “pack up and leave”.
The Grand Prix weekend was thrown into uncertainty yesterday following a missile attack on a nearby oil facility in Jeddah during the opening practice session. The day continued with the second practice, which was delayed, as the plumes of smoke remained visible in the sky from the impact zone.
After extensive talks between organisers and drivers that went long into the night, it was eventually announced the Grand Prix would go ahead as planned. However, it was reported by BBC Sport that drivers and teams were ‘handed a warning’ about the consequences of the race not proceeding.
With the agreement reached at 2.30am local time, following the attack, the reaction has been mixed given the circumstances. One voice who has come out strongly against the decision is commentator, and former driver, Schumacher who said F1 should pack up and go.
“It’s only 20km away” he told Sky Germany. “You don’t really feel good there. I’m really surprised what we are still doing here. You should pack up and go as soon as possible and leave a country like that.”
According to reports Schumacher has left the country alongside his German media colleagues. However, he did admit that it was easier said than done for Formula 1 to simply walk away.
“First of all, I have to make it clear that I am an expert on Formula 1 and not on insurance stories or business,” he added. “I think the pressure on Formula 1 is enormous. There is a very, very large amount of money being paid and there is a long-term contract.
“Now the discussion is that the Saudi government is saying that they will ensure it is safe. That means F1 cannot just pull the ripcord.
“I think that’s the problem. I have a clear opinion on it and I’ve made my decision. But of course everyone has to do it for themselves.”
Saudi authorities have said there were no casualties from the attack but the incident has only heightened the debate surrounding the sport’s presence in the country in the first place. Much has been made of the human rights record of the country and, ahead of the race in Jeddah, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton was asked if he had reservations about taking part in an event in such a country.
According to one human rights organisation 97 people have been executed in the past fortnight, and the British driver explained he had been sent a letter from a 14-year-old on death row. He added: “We don’t decide where we go but I think we are duty-bound to try and do what we can while we are here.
“It’s not necessarily our responsibility but we try and do what we can. It’s important we try to educate ourselves and with the little bit of difference we can make, make sure we are doing something.
“Ultimately, it’s the responsibility of those who are in power to make the changes and we are not really seeing enough. So we need to see more. I’m always up for discussions and to find out why what should be happening is not happening. Look, it’s 2022 and it’s easy to make changes.”
