Reports are emerging around the globe that Formula E may have been part of a missile attack launched by rebels during course of the race.
Al Jazeera reported at the time that “multiple explosions were heard and the night skies above Saudi Arabia’s capital, Riyadh, lit up with bright flashes on Saturday as a Saudi-led military coalition announced the thwarting of a missile attack that it blamed on Yemen’s Houthi rebels.”
The Sun added today: “Seven Brit drivers, including winner Sam Bird, were at the awards ceremony when the Houthi rebel device was blasted from the sky by a US patriot interceptor.
“Six British-based teams including Williams, Jaguar, Mahindra Racing, Mercedes EQ, Envision Virgin and NIO 333 were there to take part. The country’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was among wealthy VIPs attending the futuristic racing event at the Diriyah circuit,” the report added.
While the missile interception took place during the Formula E event in Riyadh, there is no evidence that the championship was the target of any attack.
The incident is trending on Reddit as missiles intercepted over Riyadh during Formula E fireworks display.
Formula 1 is due to host a round in Saudi on the weekend of 3-5 December.
Interesting time for an attack (Houthi or Iraq?) international event #FormulaE is in town.
— Aurora Intel (@AuroraIntel) February 27, 2021