F1 LIVE | Hamilton makes emotional landmark statement, as Middle East conflict looms over F1
Photo: Race Pictures
Updated:
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Henry Eccles is a freelance Formula 1 journalist for GPblog, covering breaking news, live race blogs, and features across the F1 calendar. Since joining in 2026, he has produced high-volume reporting on the sport’s biggest stories, alongside feature pieces including analysis and historical content.
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Hamilton slams 'doubters' in defiant 20th season message
Yesterday, Lewis Hamilton posted an emotional statement on Instagram, looking back at his 20 seasons in F1 while sending a defiant message to "doubters" and those “who tried to knock me down.”
Hamilton said: "Twenty years filled with incredible highs and brutal lows, with more mistakes than I can count. But those mistakes made the journey even sweeter. You hold the power to your destiny. Everything you need to succeed is within you. You will need help along the way, like I did, but that spark, that fire, is already inside you.
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“I’m forever grateful for the lessons, the quiet moments, the chaos, and the many people who helped me chase and achieve my dreams.“I’m grateful for the doubters and for the ones who tried to knock me down, too. I'm still here, 20 years on, still standing, still hungry, still focused on the dream. No holding back.”
Photo: Race Pictures
Qatar race cancelled as Middle East conflict threatens F1 season start
Meanwhile, the FIA postponed the 2026 WEC season opener in Qatar, as the ongoing US-Iran conflict in the Middle East plunges the F1 season start into uncertainty.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said: The safety and wellbeing of our community will always be the FIA’s first priority, and I thank our Member Club the Qatar Motor & Motorcycle Federation, Lusail International Circuit, the ACO and our championship colleagues for the measured and collaborative approach that has led to this decision.
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"The FIA continues to monitor developments across the region and our thoughts remain with all those affected by these recent events as we hope for calm, safety and a return to stability.”
Photo: Race Pictures
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