Pharrell Williams QUITS F1 concert to 'protect our women'

Start of the 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix — Photo: © IMAGO

F1 News & Gossip

Pharrell Williams QUITS F1 concert to 'protect our women'

Music star forced to end concert early after fans ignored his calls to stop throwing wristbands

Shay Rogers

Wednesday 13 March 2024 03:00

Pharrell Williams was left with no option but to leave his performance at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix after a significant safety issue.

The talented American producer and songwriter was drafted in to perform in a post-race concert alongside Alicia Keys and Martin Garrix.

The race wasn’t the most exciting you will see all season, as Red Bull claimed a second consecutive 1-2 finish around the streets of Jeddah.

But there was an exciting debut for young Ferrari driver Ollie Bearman, replacing an unwell Carlos Sainz who required surgery for appendicitis.

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Formula 1 knows how to put on a show for its fans, as it will at the British Grand Prix this year when the likes Kings of Leon, Stormzy and Rudimental enter the stage.

Fans ignore plea to stop throwing wristbands

“This is the liveliest city right now on the planet, but we have also got to be the safest,” he said during the concert.

“I know you guys are excited and I know you are wanting to throw your wrist gadgets and lights and all that, but you can’t as the girls are dancing. And me? I love women, how about you?”

Fans who then failed to listen to the artist, left him with no choice but to leave to avoid risking injury to his dancers any further.

Red Bull Formula 1 Carlos Sainz Saudi Arabian Grand Prix British Grand Prix Ollie Bearman