2022 Jeddah missile attack
Part of the Saudi Arabian-led intervention in Yemen, and the Yemeni Civil War (2014-present)
LocationJeddah, Saudi Arabia
Date25 March 2022 (2022-03-25)
TargetAramco oil depot
Attack type
Missile strike
Perpetrators Houthis

On 25 March, an Aramco oil depot near Jeddah, approximately 16 km (10 mi) from the circuit, was attacked by drones and missiles, triggering a large fire. Yemen's Houthi movement rebels, who were also accused of launching a missile during the 2021 Diriyah ePrix, allegedly claimed responsibility.[1] Black smoke was seen during the first practice session. The second practice session was delayed by 15 minutes to allow for an emergency meeting between the drivers, team principals and Formula One CEO Stefano Domenicali.[2] Despite the attack, Formula One and the organisers announced that the event would continue as planned.[3][4]

The Grand Prix Drivers' Association held a further meeting with the drivers at 22:00 local time; all drivers agreed to participate for the remainder of the event after 4+1⁄2 hours of talks. According to the BBC, drivers were reassured over security and convinced to race after being warned of "the consequences of not racing", which reportedly included potentially being denied exit visa to leave the country in the event of a boycott.[5]

References

  1. ↑ Noble, Jonathan (25 March 2022). "F1 awaiting information on oil refinery attacks in Jeddah". Motorsport.com. Motorsport Network. Archived from the original on 16 April 2022. Retrieved 25 March 2022.
  2. ↑ Noble, Jonathan (25 March 2022). "Second Jeddah F1 practice delayed after emergency meeting". Motorsport.com. Motorsport Network. Archived from the original on 1 April 2022. Retrieved 25 March 2022.
  3. ↑ "Saudi Arabia Grand Prix to continue as planned after attack at oil depot near Jeddah circuit". Sky Sports. Archived from the original on 25 April 2022. Retrieved 25 March 2022.
  4. ↑ "Saudi Arabian Grand Prix going ahead despite rebel attack". Al Jazeera. 26 March 2022. Archived from the original on 3 April 2022. Retrieved 3 April 2022.
  5. ↑ "Saudi GP to go ahead despite nearby attack". BBC. 26 March 2022. Archived from the original on 25 April 2022. Retrieved 26 March 2022.
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