Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen split over F1 racing in Qatar and Abu Dhabi

Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen have expressed contrasting views on whether Formula 1 should proceed with the 2026 Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix as the championship continues to assess the security situation across the Middle East.

Regional instability has already forced substantial changes to the 2026 Formula 1 calendar, against the wider backdrop of conflict that has caused tragic loss of life and severe hardship for millions of people. The original April events in Sakhir and Jeddah were removed from their scheduled dates because of security concerns, while the Bahrain round was subsequently relocated to Malaysia and will take place at the Sepang International Circuit this weekend.

Attention has now shifted towards the final part of the season, with uncertainty remaining over whether Formula 1 will be able to race in Qatar and Abu Dhabi in approximately two months. Hamilton and Verstappen discussed the situation during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend but reached different conclusions over what the championship should do.

Max Verstappen believes F1 should avoid Qatar and Abu Dhabi if conflict remains

Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu indicated in Baku that Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali is expected to provide teams with a decision on the two Middle Eastern races by mid-October at the latest.

One contingency under discussion would see Imola step in for Abu Dhabi and host the season finale should officials decide that racing at the Yas Marina Circuit is not possible. Komatsu explained that Imola is already preparing for that possibility in case Formula 1 decides to activate the alternative.

For Max Verstappen, moving away from the affected region would be the preferable option if the current security situation persists. The four-time Formula 1 world champion explained that he normally enjoys travelling to Qatar and Abu Dhabi, but believes the championship should not visit countries close to an active conflict or where neighbouring nations are involved in hostilities.

The Red Bull driver also indicated that contractual commitments should not take priority in those circumstances, although he acknowledged that the final decision is not his to make.

Lewis Hamilton hopes Qatar and Abu Dhabi can remain on the F1 calendar

Lewis Hamilton took a different position. The Ferrari driver made clear that he would personally like the two events to proceed and emphasised his enjoyment of racing in the Middle East.

Hamilton explained that, based on what he had read, the situation appeared acceptable, although he stressed that he did not possess all the relevant information and was not in a position to judge the precise level of risk. The seven-time world champion therefore placed his trust in Domenicali to make the appropriate decision for Formula 1 and expressed hope that the championship would ultimately be able to travel to both Qatar and Abu Dhabi.

The contrasting positions leave F1 facing an important decision as the season enters its final phase. With previous rounds already affected by regional security concerns, the championship must determine whether conditions allow the planned races at Lusail and Yas Marina to proceed or whether another calendar adjustment is required.

Ferrari could benefit if Imola replaces Abu Dhabi

Any switch to Imola could carry an additional sporting consideration for Ferrari. Between the Spanish and Azerbaijan Grands Prix, Hamilton and teammate Charles Leclerc both drove at the Italian circuit during a Pirelli tyre test, completing 64 and 63 laps respectively.

Crucially, that running was carried out with the current-specification SF-26 rather than an older mule car. As a result, Ferrari was able to gather information on how its 2026 chassis and power unit behaved around the 3.050-mile circuit.

That experience could potentially give the Scuderia an initial advantage in preparing its setup if Imola is ultimately chosen to host the season finale. The data collected during the Pirelli test would provide Ferrari with recent running at the circuit using its current machinery, although the extent of any competitive benefit would only become clear if Formula 1 actually makes the calendar change.

For now, Qatar and Abu Dhabi remain the planned final Middle Eastern stops of the 2026 campaign. The next decisive update is expected by mid-October, when teams should have a clearer picture of whether the championship can complete the season according to its revised schedule or whether another late change will be required.