F1 in Saudi Arabia shifts from human rights to rebel attacks
CTV
Hours after Formula One drivers voiced concerns about a race already dogged by human rights issues, Saudi Arabia's war with Yemen landed on F1's doorstep when Houthi rebels attacked an oil depot near the gleaming Saudi track where they were racing.
Yemen's Houthi rebels targeted the same fuel depot that was attacked in recent days. The North Jiddah Bulk Plant is only about 11 kilometres (seven miles) from the track hosting the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix for the second time.
The attack happened during the first practice and didn't stop the second, delayed by only 15 minutes. The track promoter and F1 said the third practice and qualifying scheduled on Saturday, and the race on Sunday, will go ahead.
The attack came two weeks after 81 people were put to death in Saudi Arabia in a mass execution, which earlier Friday was a major talking point for seven-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton and other drivers.
Hamilton said the responsibility for holding the kingdom to account over human rights shouldn't fall on the drivers but he would try to help.
