F1 must not be "bullied" into Saudi Arabia cancellation by terrorism - Horner

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has insisted F1 must not be "bullied" into cancelling the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix by terrorism.

Track running got underway with free practice one and two at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit but in the background, the sky was painted with flames and thick black smoke.

It emerged a nearby oil refinery under control of F1 and Aston Martin sponsor Aramco had been targetted by a missile in an attack acknowledged by Yemeni Houthis, a rebel alliance that controls much of the northern territory of Saudi Arabia's neighbouring country.

The attack comes a week after similar attacks on numerous targets in the country.

A meeting between F1, led by CEO Stefano Domenicali, the FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem and all team principals and drivers took place ahead of FP2, causing a 15-minute delay.

Following a second meeting after the day's running had been completed, it was decided the weekend's running would go ahead unaffected.

Asked by Sky Sports if the decision to continue was unanimous, Horner replied: "I think the sport has to stand together collectively.

"Any act of terrorism cannot be condoned and sport shouldn't be bullied into a position... a situation like that just isn't acceptable.

"Stefano and the president, they are dealing with it. There has been all the assurances from the organisers that we will be going racing."

Related

More F1 news

Latest F1 news

Lightning McQueen set for grand prix debut as F1 confirm 'significant' Disney deal

• 1 hour ago

Max Verstappen to McLaren, Sainz mega offer and Checo statement - F1 Transfer Roundup

• 2 hours ago

F1 News Today: Lewis Hamilton gets title boost as ex-FIA steward addresses accusations of bias

• 3 hours ago

F1 standings and remaining race schedule as Lewis Hamilton chases title number 8

• Today 11:00

Red Bull 2.0: Meet Max Verstappen's new F1 confidants after Gianpiero Lambiase exit

• Today 09:45

F1 insider asks the unthinkable as Adrian Newey's Aston Martin struggles laid bare

• Today 09:00