Hamilton supports Middle East races, puts faith in F1 to make the call amid uncertainty.
Dubai: Lewis Hamilton has expressed hope that the Formula One season can conclude with the scheduled races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, despite uncertainty surrounding the final rounds of the championship.
Speaking ahead of this weekend’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Hamilton said he would welcome a return to the Middle East and expressed confidence in Formula One to make the appropriate decision regarding the races.
“I personally want to go. I love going to the Middle East,” Hamilton said. “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 [Domenicali, F1’s chief executive] to make the right decision for the sport. And I do hope we get to go there.”
Hamilton has frequently spoken positively about racing in the Middle East, with Abu Dhabi traditionally hosting the final round of the Formula One season. Yas Marina Circuit has staged the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix since 2009 and has been the setting for several significant moments in Hamilton’s career.
The Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix remain on Formula One’s calendar, although Imola is understood to be part of a contingency plan should the final two rounds be unable to go ahead. The two Middle East races are scheduled to bring the 2026 F1 season to a close.
Any changes to the calendar could also have implications for the championship battle. Kimi Antonelli currently leads Mercedes teammate George Russell by 81 points with nine rounds remaining, while Hamilton sits third in the standings with 191 points.
Earlier this year, the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix were postponed amid regional tensions, with Bahrain’s race subsequently rescheduled to take place at Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia.
Formula One is understood to need at least 23 races to fulfil its commitments to broadcasters, leaving open the possibility of a replacement finale if further rounds are cancelled.
Hamilton, however, remains keen to race in both Qatar and Abu Dhabi, including a return to the Yas Marina Circuit.
