Five drivers pushed for Saudi GP boycott - report
Mar.27 - Qualifying day may have been explosion-free, but it is clear that the discussions about whether Saudi Arabia should even be on the F1 calendar will run and run.
After Friday's attacks, in which the number of missiles and drones within a long camera lens of the Jeddah circuit ultimately counted 16, the whispered rumour in the paddock is that Saudi officials had warned that calling off the race would spell more trouble than driving on.
"Were there even threats that they would be forbidden to leave the country and that the cars would be confiscated?" veteran journalist for the Swiss newspaper Blick, Roger Benoit, wondered.
"The team bosses didn't want to comment on or confirm this story, but there is no longer any doubt that Formula 1 has become a money-hungry company."
After the team bosses initially agreed with race and government insiders to continue racing, the 20 drivers met separately - and sources indicate they were actually unanimous in wanting to go home.
Italy's La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that at least five were leading the boycott movement - Lewis Hamilton, George Russell, Fernando Alonso, Pierre Gasly and Lance Stroll.
Alfa Romeo's Valtteri Bottas, meanwhile, says the discussions about Saudi Arabia now need to continue after the sport has left the country following Sunday's race.
"The officials gave their own views and promised that the safest option was to keep going with the race," the Finn told Viaplay.
"In the future, we need to think about what kind of places we go to. Not everything here is stable.
"But I'm not a politician," Bottas added. "When I am told to race, I race."
Frenchman Gasly, meanwhile, did not deny that he was one of the strongest voices among the drivers, insisting to RTBF: "It is not for me to reveal certain political secrets."
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Mmmm, going a bit pearshaped in Sandland
Something of an understatement.
IMO
I don't need to say it, but I will.....$$$$$
In all honesty, I don’t think anyone was in real danger. At bit of an overreaction. Saudi is pouring huge money into F1. No one seemed to complain last year when they raced the Saudi GP. Same oppressed country with strict rules. Interesting that LH led the band about boycotting. Maybe Lew should spend more time thinking about racing and less time about political issues. It appears he can’t do both.
Susan , how close would a rocket attack have to be , for f1 to say enough's enough?
Huge money yes , according to reports a ten yr deal worth $900 Million , why so much when the majority of Euro tracks are paying 20-30M per yr?, blood money/sports washing or just generous regime?
And no one complained last yr, well world politics and events happen IE Putin,but SA have been waging a civil for for the last 8yrs ,Lewis is mentioned in the above report, but unless ive missed it did he lead the argument for a boycott?
I agree Susan, he should concentrate on racing, a lot of comments coming back to bite Toto and Lewis now about how good the Merc team are, well now's the chance I say prove it..!!
Stroppy i’m In danger of agreeing with you.
Though on the last point, they now seem to be saying how bad they are and may never get the car right.
What’s your take on yellows,reds and safty cars etc. Spectacle or fair racing?
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