Here's the thing about Formula 1 circus logistics: sometimes the world outside the paddock intrudes in ways no team principal can spin away. As Crash.net reports, the 2026 season is currently slated to wrap up with a double-header in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, but that plan hangs in the balance due to an ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. While Imola stands ready as a contingency plan for the season finale, F1 leadership insists they remain hopeful about racing in the Middle East, with a final decision expected by mid-October.
During the Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend, four-time world champion Max Verstappen made his personal feelings pretty clear to ViaPlay about heading to the region under the current climate. "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," the Red Bull driver said. "Then, it doesn't matter if you have a contract or not, I think. But it's not up to me."
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.
Yet, fast forward to the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend in Malaysia, and the tone shifted when the Dutchman was directly asked if he would actually boycott the events should they go ahead. Verstappen swerved the question entirely, stating: “It’s not that I said I didn't want to race there, I just said that I love going there, but of course under the right terms.”
Pressed once more on whether a boycott was on the table, the Red Bull star kept his cards close to his chest and dodged it for a second time. “But I trust that F1 and the FIA will take the right decision because they will have more information than us. That's what we rely on,” he added, simply repeating, “Like I said, I trust that they will make the right call.”
Curiously enough, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton took a completely different view on the matter back in Baku. The Ferrari driver voiced a strong desire to see the calendar play out in the Middle East as originally scheduled. “I personally want to go,” Hamilton said. “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.”
Hamilton wrapped up by putting his faith squarely in the hands of F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, adding, “I trust in Stefano to make the right decision for the sport. And I do hope we get to go there.”
