Security in Jeddah: Lewis Hamilton is “opposite” of other drivers’ opinions
One year after the missile attack, the drivers are still enthusiastic about racing again in Saudi Arabia, with the exception of Lewis Hamilton.
The F1 is back on the Jeddah circuit, even though the last edition of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix was marred by a missile strike, which landed a few kilometers from the track. During the first day of testing for the 2022 F1 Grand Prix, an attack on an Aramco oil depot sparked a major fire, the flames of which were visible from the circuit. The world champion, Max Verstappen, became concerned about a burning smell he could detect from his car. «”Don’t worry, it’s not your car,” his engineer replied.
This was followed by an endless meeting among the pilots, concerned for their safety. The race was ultimately maintained.
Serene drivers… except for Hamilton
This story is almost already forgotten for the drivers present at the press conference this Thursday who trust F1 regarding their safety. « I mean, we obviously trust FOM and the organization to ensure our safety. Obviously, what happened last year was frightening and none of us want to experience such an ordeal, » said Esteban Ocon.
« I am confident that Formula 1 and the organization will take care of us and keep us safe this year,” added Lance Stroll. » This view is shared by Sergio Perez, who even went further by stating that « as a sport, I think we are able to help the country and the people living here to evolve.”
Only one driver showed less enthusiasm. It’s Lewis Hamilton who declared that he thought the exact opposite of what his fellow track colleagues had just said.
A fervent advocate for the LGBT+ community, the British driver is probably concerned not only for their own safety but also for the rights of minorities, which are far from being respected in the country.
It should also be noted that, apart from press conferences or when responding to a question from an accredited journalist, drivers are no longer allowed to express political or personal opinions while within the circuit premises, based on the principle of neutrality.
Finally, let us recall that last year Sebastian Vettel officially claimed to be sick in order to not race in Saudi Arabia. It was Nico Hülkenberg who took his place.
