“The decision was largely up to the organizers” – Toto Wolff says F1 teams have been given the freedom not to compete in Saudi Arabia

Samriddhi Jaiswal | 26/03/2022
"The decision was largely up to the organizers" - Toto Wolff says F1 teams have been given the freedom not to compete in Saudi Arabia

F1 will go on in Saudi Arabia despite the missile attack near the circuit but Toto Wolff says that the teams have an option to withdraw.

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff revealed that the teams can withdraw from racing in Jeddah if they wish to following the missile strike near the circuit.

A huge cloud of smoke started covering the sky of Jeddah during the FP1 session following a drone strike near the circuit. Concerns among those on the track grew as the smoke could be seen from everywhere on the circuit.

Despite the threatening situations in the regime, the FIA decided to continue with racing. Red Bull boss Christian Horner hinted that the F1 teams did not have much say in the decision.

Horner said that he has faith in the organisations and their assurances that everyone’s safety is guaranteed.

Mercedes’s boss also said that the teams have been given the freedom not to participate if they wish. Wolff’s statements support the suggestions that the decision was largely up to the organisers.

Also Read: Mercedes’ team principal Toto Wolff believes George Russell is much more talented than Max Verstappen

Toto Wolff might not bring a title home this year

Following the below-par performance in Bahrain, it was obvious that the Mercedes needs to do a lot of work on its car.

After the practice sessions on the Jeddah circuit, Lewis Hamilton revealed that there are still many of the same problems.

However, the seven-time world champion remains optimistic and said, “the grip is really good on the track. We just need to find some speed on the straights. We’ll be heads down tonight, understanding the data from today and putting ourselves in the best position for qualifying tomorrow.”

Also Read: Mercedes boss Toto Wolff not very optimistic of Lewis Hamilton winning eighth title this season

Post Edited By: Samriddhi Jaiswal
Mercedes Toto Wolff

About the author

Samriddhi Jaiswal

Samriddhi Jaiswal is an F1 editor and writer at The SportsRush. She started her career as a business journalist but soon found her calling in lights out here we go! Samriddhi has been a Ferrari fan even when her interaction with F1 was occasional. Her first real experience with the thrilling sport came when Charles Leclerc clinched his iconic victory in Spa and Monza and painted the track red. Now, a Tifosi, Samriddhi is a hardcore fan of the prancing horse and can relate to the chaos within the Italian camp and also admires Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher. Off the track, she finds her home in books and musical instruments.

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