Already plagued by concerns after attacks by Yemeni Houthi rebels, the Saudi Arabian Formula 1 Grand Prix was marked down on Saturday by a violent accident by Mick Schumacherson of Michael Schumacher, and the first pole position of the Mexican Sergio Pérez (Red Bull).
Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton was eliminated in the first phase of qualifying, the first time this has happened to him since the Brazilian GP in 2017. Quebecer Lance Stroll took 15th place.
Mick Schumacher, 23, was taken after his accident by ambulance to the circuit medical center and then airlifted to a hospital near the circuit.
According to initial information, he was not injured but was however airlifted to a hospital near the circuit for examinations.
“The first diagnosis did not reveal any injuries,” said the International Automobile Federation (FIA).
An attack by the Houthis against an oil depot about ten kilometers from the Jeddah circuit had already darkened the atmosphere of the GP, the second round of the F1 world championship on Friday, but the governing bodies of Formula 1 reconfirmed on Saturday the maintenance of the Grand Prize.
“After discussions with all teams and drivers (which lasted late into the night from Friday to Saturday, editor’s note), the Saudi Arabian Formula 1 Grand Prix will continue as planned,” said the Formula 1 promoter. and the International Automobile Federation (FIA) in a statement on Saturday before qualifying.
“Extensive discussions were held between the stakeholders, the Saudi government authorities and the agencies responsible for the security which gave complete and detailed assurances on the security of the event”, add the authorities.
The drivers then expressed their “resolution to participate in practice and qualifying today and the race tomorrow (Sunday)”, through the voice of their association (the GPDA).
The attack in Jeddah is part of a wave claimed by the Houthis on Friday, on the eve of the seventh anniversary of the intervention of the military coalition led by Riyadh in Yemen, to support the government against rebels close to Iran.
On Saturday, a spokesman for the Houthi rebels announced that the latter would cease their offensives in Yemen and against Saudi Arabia for “three days”.
Friday’s attack caused a gigantic fire and a cloud of black smoke visible from the circuit during free practice 1 at 5:00 p.m. local time (3:00 p.m. in France).
Hamilton eliminated prematurely
These events could reignite the debate over whether to race in countries accused of human rights abuses, starting with Saudi Arabia, where F1 established itself last season.
“It is not us (the teams) who are in charge of the calendar” but F1 and the FIA, recalled Jost Capito, team principal of the Williams team, even if the teams are obviously consulted. “If discussions need to take place, they will take place after the Grand Prix but not during, as long as we are safe,” he said.
The organizers of the championship had already announced Friday evening the maintenance of the GP despite the attack but the pilots then debated it for more than four hours until late at night.
Just before Michael Schumacher’s accident during the second part of the qualifying session on Saturday (Q2), seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) had been eliminated in Q1.
Hamilton only got the 16th time while only the first 15 qualified for Q2. It’s the first time he’s been knocked out so early since the 2017 Brazilian GP.
Asked about his state of mind after the Houthi attack and elimination, the British pilot replied that he had ” can’t wait to get home without saying more.
It is Sergio Pérez who will start at the top of the grid on Sunday after having overtaken the Monegasque Charles Leclerc (Ferrari), at the top of the championship after the first event.
The Mexican has had the luxury of getting ahead of his Dutch teammate and outgoing world champion, Max Verstappen who could not do better than 4th and will share the second row with the other Ferrari driver, Spaniard Carlos Sainz Junior.
Qualifications no 3:
1. Sergio Perez (MEX/Red Bull) 1:28.200
2. Charles Leclerc (MON/Ferrari) 1:28.225
3. Carlos Sainz Jr (ESP/Ferrari) 1:28.402
4. Max Verstappen (NED/Red Bull) 1:28.461
5. Esteban Ocon (FRA/Alpine-Renault) 1:29.068
6. George Russell (GBR/Mercedes) 1:29.104
7. Fernando Alonso (ESP/Alpine-Renault) 1:29.147
8. Valtteri Bottas (FIN / Alfa Romeo-Ferrari) 1: 29.183
9. Pierre Gasly (FRA/AlphaTauri-Red Bull) 1:29.254
10. Kevin Magnussen (DEN / Haas-Ferrari) 1: 29.588
Eliminated Q2:
11. Lando Norris (GBR / McLaren-Mercedes)
12. Daniel Ricciardo (AUS/McLaren-Mercedes)
13. Zhou Guanyu (CHN/Alfa Romeo-Ferrari)
14. Mick Schumacher (GER/Haas-Ferrari)
15. Lance Stroll (CAN/Aston Martin-Mercedes)
Eliminated Q1:
16. Lewis Hamilton (GBR/Mercedes)
17. Alexander Albon (THA/Williams-Mercedes)
18. Nico Hulkenberg (GER/Aston Martin-Mercedes)
19. Nicholas Latifi (CAN/Williams-Mercedes)
20. Yuki Tsunoda (JPN/AlphaTauri-Red Bull)