Lewis Hamilton backs 2026 F1 season ending in Middle East amid regional unrest

Lewis Hamilton has thrown his weight behind the 2026 Formula 1 season concluding in the Middle East, despite ongoing regional unrest creating intense scheduling uncertainty. Conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran across the Gulf has cast doubt over whether the season-ending grands prix in Qatar and Abu Dhabi can proceed safely, with championship officials mulling over European contingency locations such as Imola. Yet the Ferrari driver has made clear his desire to race in the region, offering a distinct perspective as the paddock weighs up safety concerns and calendar logistics.

Speaking to reporters ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, according to Crash, Hamilton voiced support for keeping the original itinerary intact.

"I personally want to go. I love going to the Middle East,"

Media additions

Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari driver, via Crash

Hamilton said, noting that public reports suggest conditions are manageable.

"From what I've read, I think things seem okay out there. But I don't have all the information, so I don't know what the risk levels are. I trust in Stefano to make the right decision for the sport, but I do hope that we get to go there,"

Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari driver, via Crash

referring to F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, a stance echoed by Turkish outlet TRF1.

While the commercial rights holder has kept the fixtures on the books, contingency planners have eyed European tracks should the Gulf rounds fall through. Imola has emerged as a potential fallback venue for early December, but Hamilton dismissed the suitability of such a move.

"Finishing in winter in Imola might not be the best weather-wise,"

Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari driver, via Crash

the seven-time world champion noted, adding that the Italian circuit is not conducive to overtaking.

To help plug gaps caused by cancellations in the Middle East, F1 reinstated a fixture on 4 October at the Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia, marking the venue's first grand prix since 2017. Hamilton welcomed the return to Kuala Lumpur, praising the track layout and its physical demands.

"I always loved going to KL. I had lots of great experiences there with my previous team; the track is awesome,"

Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari driver, via Crash

the 41-year-old Briton said.

"It is, and it is a circuit that does give good racing. And when it comes to deciding which tracks to go through in the year, that should be a part of the decision-making."

Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari driver, via Crash

He added that the hot circuit will be physically massively demanding, creating a challenge he looks forward to facing.

Circuit / Location	Status / Change	Context
Qatar & Abu Dhabi	At risk / Planned	Subject to regional security evaluations in the Gulf amid conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
Imola	Contingency option	Evaluated for early December, though drivers question winter weather and overtaking viability.
Sepang (Malaysia)	Reinstated for 4 October	Hosts a replacement race, returning to the calendar for the first time since 2017.

Meanwhile, the sport's governing body and teams are grappling with separate technical and safety reviews following high-speed incidents earlier in the year, such as Oliver Bearman's heavy crash at Suzuka. Meetings scheduled across April by the FIA aim to address active aerodynamic parameters, energy management quirks, and qualifying formats. Drivers including Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc have pressed for rules that allow them to push closer to the limit without being constrained by heavy electrical lift-and-coast strategies or unexpected power unit deployment issues.

The FIA's evaluation process is set to continue with discussions between technical representatives, followed by further technical talks and a meeting with team principals later in the month on 20 April, where concrete decisions can be considered subject to approval from the World Motor Sport Council. Ultimately, the definitive location of the 2026 season's final rounds will depend on developments in the region and the final verdict of F1 management.