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Ferrari’s Mattia Binotto A Driver Boycott In Saudi Arabia Wouldn’t Be Right


JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia – Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto said it would be a mistake if Formula 1 drivers boycotted the Saudi Grand Prix on Sunday and left the country in response to a meeting. missile strike 10 kilometers from the track on Friday.

On Friday night, 20 F1 drivers held a four-hour meeting in which they discussed the possibility of a race boycott following a Houthi missile attack on the nearby Aramco oil depot during the event. opening episode.

In the early hours of Saturday morning, F1 executives and team bosses convinced drivers that security measures were in place. let the race continue safely.

“The drivers have met and they certainly have concerns,” said Binotto. “After yesterday’s events, certainly we are all worried.

“Concerns need to be translated into consideration and discussion, and as we as teams we already have assurances from F1 as well as from government agencies and Saudi security agencies. that everything will be safe and under control.

“That needs to be explained to the drivers, explain to them the situation, make them understand that we are safe and secure. The fact is that it is important to stay and stay in Saudi Arabia. and drive on weekends.

“Leaving the country is simply not the right choice. I think there is no good reason to leave the country after the events that have happened and with the assurance we received.

“They’ve met, they’ve had their own concerns, they’ve raised them, but I think overall, we also have the right guarantees and explanations.”

McLaren team principal Andreas Seidl said it was important to listen to the voices of all drivers as well as those of team members working in other roles.

“Our drivers are the heroes of the sport and it is important that they have a voice that is relevant to the sport in which they are involved and therefore it is perfectly reasonable to have discussions,” he said. discussion between them.

“At the same time, it’s important to share our different perspectives on what happened yesterday and that’s what happened.

“In the end, we all came to the same conclusion that it was right to continue over the weekend after we received assurances that we were safe here. Don’t forget, it’s not just about the driver. and team principles, it’s about 2000 teams. The members of the F1 paddock are here and we have to make the right decisions together with F1 and the FIA, for all of us.”

Five team principals appeared at Saturday’s press conference ahead of final practice and they all said they had received assurances from Saudi authorities and security agencies about their safety. of the race.

“We’ve had quite a few [meetings with] Senior authorities yesterday, and they explained to us the situation,” said Aston Martin Principal Mike Krack.

“They explained it to us in a very believable way and that gave all ten people in our room confidence that they were taking their responsibilities very seriously.”

Williams boss Jost Capito added: “There’s also another guard not from here [Saudi Arabia]but another country, looked at it independently and looked at everything to make sure we were going to have a safe event. “

Haas team principal Guenther Steiner said he felt reassured when members of the Saudi government brought their families into the race.

“They very reliably explained what [security] “Steiner added.” The details, the technical details, I don’t think I can explain them, because I’m not qualified enough.

“Obviously there are things that protect us, but for me to explain that… I’m an amateur in that so it would be an opinion, not an explanation.

“But the credible explanation of what they’re doing and that they have family here with them, that gives me reassurance that I’m safe and my team is safe.”



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