Saudi Arabian terrorist attack "more unsettling" for F1 staff families

Jenson Button believes the terrorist attack on a nearby oil refinery in Jeddah will be "more unsettling" for families of F1 personnel than those at the track.

A meeting has been called at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix after Friday practice was run with a backdrop of flames and black smoke following an explosion at an Aramco depot.

Yemeni Houthis have claimed responsibility for the attack just five days after the same target was hit on the outskirts of the city close to the airport.

Despite the alarming situation, the race weekend is to continue with enhanced security.

Speaking on Sky Sports F1, 2009 champion Button said: "The attack, if it is an attack, sounds like it is on their oil reserves which is nothing to do with us.

"Of course, it is unsettling and for the people who aren't here, it is more unsettling, the families of the people who are here in the paddock. So I am hoping for once my wife isn't watching."

Drivers have been wary about racing in the Kingdom often criticised for human rights abuses, with Lewis Hamilton last year stating he 'wasn't comfortable' visiting Saudi Arabia.

Former F1 driver Johnny Herbert explained: "Mohammed Ben Sulayem, president of the FIA, of course, it is down to him to sort of assure all the drivers that everything is okay for them to be able to go onto the track, go back to their hotels, come back in the morning.

"That will be something they will be wanting to hear."

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