'Do you dare?': F1 drivers debate switch after Saudi Arabian GP

Multiple drivers have questioned the long-term viability of Saudi Arabia as a venue for Formula One races in the wake of last weekend's grand prix in the Middle Eastern nation.

Teams and drivers were left disconcerted ahead of free practice last weekend when a missile strike sent by Yemen's Houthis rebels caused an explosion at a nearby oil depot belonging to major F1 sponsor Aramco.

TRAGIC: Devastating new details emerge after death of ex-motorsport boss

INTERESTING: Ricciardo's staggering response after 'awful' F1 drama

Though the attack occurred roughly 10 kilometres from the Jeddah street circuit used for the grand prix, teams and the FIA still held talks to assess whether it would be safe to continue the weekend.

Teams and FIA officials emerged from that meeting on Saturday morning saying there was consensus on the safety of the GP - however this was followed by an impromptu two-hour long meeting of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association.

The drivers were essentially seeking further assurances of safety not just for themselves, but also for mechanics and other team members as well.

It was eventually agreed that the race would proceed as planned, but after the race it was clear several drivers were hoping to hold further discussions on the matter.

Drivers have found themselves being peppered with questions about their opinion on Saudi Arabia's human rights record, and the attack coming so close to the circuit clearly left some drivers rattled.

Formula One inked a $900m deal to hold races in Saudi Arabia for the next nine years, a prospect that has some drivers raising an eyebrow - notable reigning world champion and race winner Max Verstappen.

“We had a lot of guarantees that of course it would be safe but after this weekend all the drivers together, we will speak with F1 and the team bosses to see what is happening for the future,” he said after the race.

Title rival and seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton was happy to see the end of the second round of the F1 season.

It was a shocking weekend for the Mercedes star on track, but he was equally perturbed by what had occurred off track as well.

“I am so happy the weekend is done. I am so happy that everyone is safe, I am just looking forward to getting out. I just want to go home," he said.

F1 drivers to mull over sport's future in Saudi Arabia

The BBC referred ominously to 'possible consequences of not racing, such as how easily teams and drivers would be able to leave the country if the race did not happen' as a topic of discussion in the lengthy drivers only meeting in Saudi Arabia.

Absent was Aston Martin driver and four-time champion Sebastian Vettel, who was absent from the grand prix due to Covid-19.

He said that drivers were being placed in a difficult position, having to weigh their loyalty to their teams and the sport against genuine safety and rights concerns.

“How independent can you be when you are on the payroll?” Vettel told DPA.

"You could say boycott, don’t even go there.

“On the other hand, you can go there with the thought: we represent our Western values, show our freedom and stand up for it.

“The question is how brave you can be when you are a paid guest.

“It’s not like Formula 1 chooses that on the map. It’s more that countries are approaching Formula 1 and it’s part of the business model that venues are putting a lot of money into it.

“Do you dare to do something about it when you are there? On the other hand, there are certain values we must stand up for because they outweigh financial interests.”

Drivers were also ultimately unhappy with the layout of the Jeddah circuit, after Haas driver Mick Schumacher was withdrawn from the grand prix after a brutal crash in qualifying saw him airlifted to hospital.

The 23-year-old was released soon after undertaking precautionary checks, and later called for a re-think of some sections of the high-speed street circuit.

Red Bull's Sergio Perez said the track was outright 'dangerous', despite claiming the first pole position of his career at the circuit.

“I think it’s definitely the most dangerous place in the calendar, that’s no secret about it,” he said.

“It really demands a lot from the drivers, from the cars, from the teams. If you get it wrong, it can be a huge accident.

“I don’t know if there’s something we can do into Turn 22/23 because it’s a really high-speed section.

“It’s more (dangerous) in the race, but I think it’s the same, after qualifying the last thing I want to think about is the track.”

Click here to sign up to our newsletter for all the latest and breaking stories from Australia and around the world.