| 2022 Jeddah missile attack | |
| Location: | Jeddah, Saudi Arabia |
| Partof: | the Saudi Arabian-led intervention in Yemen, and the Yemeni Civil War (2014-present) |
| Target: | Aramco oil depot |
| Type: | Missile strike |
| Victim: | --> |
| Assailant: | --> |
| Numpart: | --> |
| Dfen: | --> |
On 25 March, the North Jeddah Bulk Plant owned by Saudi Aramco on the outskirts of Jeddah was attacked by drones and missiles, triggering a large fire. Yemen's Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for the attack.[1]
The attack is notable because it took place approximately 7miles from the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, where the 2022 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix was being held. Black smoke was visible from the circuit during the first practice session, with some drivers remarking on a "burning" smell in the car.[2] The second practice session was delayed by 15 minutes to allow for an emergency meeting between the drivers, team principals and Formula One CEO Stefano Domenicali.[3] Despite the attack, Formula One and the organisers announced that the event would continue as planned.[4] [5]
The Grand Prix Drivers' Association held a further meeting with the drivers at 22:00 local time; all drivers agreed to participate for the remainder of the event after four and a half hours of talks. According to the BBC, drivers were reassured over security and convinced to race after being warned of "the consequences of not racing", which reportedly included potentially being denied exit visa to leave the country in the event of a boycott.[6]