Alpine’s Esteban Ocon during practice as smoke rises from Saudi Aramco’s petroleum storage facility
(Picture: REUTERS)Formula One bosses said Sunday’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix will go ahead despite an attack on a nearby fuel depot which sent smoke billowing across the course during practice.
World champion Max Verstappen reported to his Red Bull team over the radio that he could detect the smoke.
“I smell a bit of a burning feeling,” he said. “I am not sure if it is my car, or another car.”
The al-Masirah satellite news channel run by Yemen’s Houthi rebels claimed they attacked an Aramco facility in Jeddah which is 12 miles to the east of the track and was also attacked on Sunday.
Second practice started late following a short delay as the drivers and team principals were called by F1 boss Stefano Domenicali for a crisis summit.
Shortly after the summit, race organisers said the grand prix – only the second to be staged in Saudi Arabia – will go ahead as scheduled.
A statement from the Saudi Motorsport Company read: “We are aware of the attack on the Aramco distribution station in Jeddah earlier this afternoon and remain in contact with the Saudi security authorities, as well as F1 and the FIA to ensure all necessary security and safety measures continue to be implemented to guarantee the safety of all visitors to the Formula One Saudi Arabian Grand Prix as well as the drivers, teams and stakeholders.
“The race weekend scheduled will continue as planned. The safety and security of all our guests continues to be our main priority and we look forward to welcoming fans for a weekend of premium racing and entertainments.”
An F1 spokesperson added: “Formula One has been in close contact with the relevant authorities following the situation that took place today.
“The authorities have confirmed that the event can continue as planned and we will remain in close contact with them and all the teams and closely monitor the situation.”
Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc finished both practice sessions ahead of Verstappen. Hamilton was ninth and then improved to fifth later in the day.
Earlier, Hamilton reiterated he feels uncomfortable racing in Saudi Arabia.
Human rights’ group, Reprieve, said a further 16 people have been killed since the mass execution of 81 men on March 12.
The United Nations’ High Commissioner for Human Rights, claimed more than half of the 81 were killed for taking part in pro-democracy protests.
Speaking ahead of last year’s race, Hamilton said: “Do I feel comfortable here? I wouldn’t say I do.”
And on Friday, the 37-year-old added: “My position is still the same as last year. It is obviously mind-blowing to hear the stories.
“I have heard there is a letter that has been sent to me from a 14-year-old who is on death row here. At 14, you don’t know what the hell you are doing in life.
“We don’t decide where we go to race in Formula One, but while it is not necessarily our responsibility, we are duty-bound to try and do what we can.
“It is important we try to educate ourselves, and with a little bit of difference, we can try to make sure we are doing something.
“But ultimately, it is the responsibility of those who are in power to really make the changes and we are not really seeing enough. We need to see more.”
F1 has agreed a lucrative 15-year deal to race in Saudi Arabia, with the venue set to move from Jeddah to a purpose-built venue in Qiddiya, 25 miles outside of capital Riyadh, in the coming seasons.
