After an intense day sparked by a missile attack by the armed political movement Houthi (known as Houthis) on an oil facility near the Jeddah track during the first free practice, the fate of the race hung in the balance on Friday night amid pilots’ unease over the situation.

In lengthy talks that lasted more than four hours, the drivers spoke to F1 figures and team principals to voice their concerns over the matter.

First, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali and F1 Managing Director of Motorsport Ross Brawn were summoned to the drivers’ meeting, before team principals were then invited to attend. The team bosses then held further follow-up talks with Domenicali while the riders continued their discussions which lasted until around 2:20 a.m.

And while it was possible drivers would choose not to compete because they were unhappy with the situation, sources familiar with the discussions say that in the end their concerns were addressed.

It is unclear exactly what assurances were given to the drivers and what information they requested, but it is understood the drivers eventually agreed to continue racing.

The unprecedented discussions with the pilots came after Domenicali assured the team leaders of safety guarantees at the Jeddah site. He said F1 was happy to continue racing thanks to promises made by Saudi officials.

“We have received full assurances that for the country security is paramount, whatever the situation – security must be guaranteed,” he said. “They [local officials] are here with their families, actually here on the track, so they have all the systems in place to protect this area, the city and the places where we are going.

“So we are confident and we have to trust the local authority in this regard. Therefore, of course, we will continue the event.