Verstappen and Hamilton split over F1's Middle East finale: 'I think we shouldn't go'
16:30, 29 Sep
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Ben Hunt is an award-winning motorsport journalist with over two decades of experience in Formula 1 and international media. As a former editor-in-chief and bestselling author, he delivers in-depth analysis and strategic insight from the highest level of the sport.
Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton disagree on whether Formula 1 should end the 2026 season in Qatar and Abu Dhabi. The Red Bull driver says the sport should stay away while there is a war nearby. The Ferrari driver says he wants to go.
The two races are the last rounds on the calendar. Qatar is on 29 November and Abu Dhabi follows on 6 December. F1 will decide in mid-October whether they go ahead, and Imola is on standby to host the finale on 6 December if they are called off.
GPblog has already reported on the political background in allowing the races to go ahead. Now two of the sport's biggest names have taken opposite sides on the question itself.
Verstappen: contracts should not decide it
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Verstappen spoke to Dutch broadcaster Viaplay ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. He made clear that he has no problem with the host countries. What worries him is the conflict around them.
Normally I am happy to go to Qatar and Abu Dhabi, but you know, when there is a war nearby, and if some of the countries are in conflict with each other, then I think we shouldn't go. Then, it doesn't matter if you have a contract or not, I think. But it's not up to me.- Max Verstappen to Viaplay
Hamilton: 'I personally want to go'
Hamilton took the opposite view earlier in the week. In his press session in Azerbaijan, the seven-time world champion said he would like the season to finish in the Middle East as planned. He also admitted he does not have the full picture.
I personally want to go. I love going to the Middle East. From what I have read, things seem OK out there, but I don't have all the information, and I don't know what the risk levels are. I trust in Stefano to make the right decision for the sport. And I do hope we get to go there.- Lewis Hamilton,
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Hamilton is leaving the decision with F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali. Verstappen also says the choice is not his, but he has already said what he thinks it should be.
Official advice is more cautious than Hamilton's reading of the situation. The UK Foreign Office describes the region as one that "remains unpredictable". The conflict began in February, when the USA and Israel launched joint strikes on Iran, and that drone strikes have since hit countries including Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
Verstappen fine with a wet Imola finale
If Imola does step in, the season would end in northern Italy in early December and this means cold temperatures and a higher chance of rain and snow. The circuit has already started building grandstands.
Verstappen is not worried by that. "It will probably be very chaotic with our rain tyres. But taking everything into consideration, I'm fine with it. It's a good track," he said.
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Decision due in mid-October
GPBLog has reported that F1's Plan A is still to race in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, even though most governments advise their citizens not to travel to the region. Before that call comes, the paddock heads to Sepang this weekend for the relocated Bahrain Grand Prix.
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