Saudi Arabia is trying to reassure the F1 for 2023

The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix made headlines once again last week. Four months after the 2021 fiasco, a completely different incident affected the Grand Prix. Last Friday, a strong explosion occurred a few kilometers away from the Jeddah circuit. Houthi rebels targeted the Aramco oil facility using drones. An emergency meeting was held that same evening to determine whether or not the drivers would participate in the Grand Prix. While the race did take place, the question arises regarding the future of this GP on the calendar.

The Saudi government has declared itself open to discussions regarding additional security measures or concerning the track itself. The Saudi Minister of Sports, His Highness Prince Abdulaziz Bin Turki Al-Faisal, spoke.

An open discussion

« We didn’t go into details, but we are open to discussion. We can sit down, look at where the issues lie, and what insurances are necessary for them, he said. « No matter what they want, we’re here to welcome F1 as best as possible all over the world. So, we will obviously have an open discussion with them to see their feedback, to talk with them, and see where their concerns are. We will reveal everything to them. ».

On the same note, Prince Abdulaziz highlights the benefits brought by the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, while emphasizing the impact of this event on the country.

“We are here for a long-term partnership because we see where we are heading,” said the Saudi Minister of Sports. “We want to evolve with sports. We understand the importance of Formula 1 and we want to be part of the international community. We want to be present. We want every person who comes to Saudi Arabia to feel like they are anywhere else in the world. Unfortunately, these issues occur, they happen anywhere in the world, and we must manage them in the best possible way.”

The impact of sport in the country.

« We have always been accused of being exclusive, continued the minister. « The first tourist visa was issued thanks to the Formula E. It’s the first time we had tourist visas. From there, we went from one of the most difficult visas to obtain to one of the easiest, with I believe over 50 countries coming in. No one understands what Saudi Arabia is. We ask people to come and understand it, but now we are accused of being too open […]. We are a young nation. We are learning, progressing, and we still have a lot of things to develop […] and resolve.

The Saudi Minister of Sports concluded his speech by talking about the ongoing evolution in the country, stating that men and women are working together, even in ministries. Let’s remember that women were not allowed to appear in public not so long ago. According to Prince Abdulaziz, the arrival of Formula 1 is contributing to the ongoing changes in Saudi Arabia.