F1 CEO won't scrap GP Saudi Arabia: 'Part of our job'

The Saudi Arabia Grand Prix suffered a missile attack on an oil depot that took place nearby a week and a half ago. It immediately caused criticism of the FIA, openly raising the question of whether Formula 1 still has a future in the country. Stefano Domenicali believes it does.

The race in Jedda was scheduled for the first time in 2021. The circuit is located along the shores of the Red Sea, giving the drivers a beautiful place to drive. However, due to the political situation in the country, critics believe that the FIA cannot make it to finish a GP in such a country.

According to Domenicali, it is precisely important to drive in Saudi Arabia. "It is part of our job to make sure that we talk with all the stakeholders. Relevance is absolutely important for us as is open dialogue," he revealed to Reuters. "If you were there last weekend, you could understand what I mean. The younger generation, women attending, kids. Don't forget that a couple of years ago, they were not able go out."

Lewis Hamilton was the first Formula 1 winner at the track in 2021. A year later, it was between Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc, with the Dutchman managing to beat the Ferrari driver in the closing stages of the race.