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Hamilton Seeks Middle East Races Amid 2026 F1 Safety Uncertainty
Lewis Hamilton wants Formula One to race in the Middle East later this year.
However, he said he does not know exactly how dangerous the area may be.
The uncertainty is linked to the US-Israel-Iran war.
Formula One has already canceled races in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.
The Bahrain race was moved to Malaysia instead.
Races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi are still planned for the end of the season.
Hamilton said he trusts Formula One chief executive Stefano Domenicali to make the right decision.
Hamilton is currently third in the championship standings and is unlikely to win an eighth title this season.
Lewis Hamilton said he wants to race in the Middle East later in the 2026 Formula One season.
Hamilton said he does not have complete information about regional risk levels amid the US-Israel-Iran war.
The Saudi Arabian and Bahrain Grands Prix were canceled, with Bahrain’s race moved to Malaysia’s Sepang Circuit.
The Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix remain scheduled for November 29 and December 6, respectively.
Kimi Antonelli leads the drivers’ standings with 292 points, while Hamilton is third with 191 points.
- Who
- Lewis Hamilton, Formula One, and its chief executive Stefano Domenicali are involved in decisions about the races.
- What
- Hamilton expressed interest in racing in the Middle East despite uncertainty about regional risk levels.
- Where
- The discussion concerns Middle Eastern races, including events in Qatar, Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain; the relocated Bahrain race will be held at Sepang Circuit in Malaysia.
- When
- The relevant races are scheduled for late in the 2026 season, including Qatar on November 29 and Abu Dhabi on December 6.
- Why
- The US-Israel-Iran war has raised concerns about safety and affected the 2026 race schedule.
Key facts
- Driver
- Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time Formula One champion racing for Ferrari
- 2026 Middle East races
- Qatar is scheduled for November 29 and Abu Dhabi for December 6
- Canceled races
- The Saudi Arabian and Bahrain Grands Prix were canceled
- Relocated race
- The Bahrain Grand Prix was moved to Sepang Circuit in Malaysia for October 3–4, 2026
- Championship leader
- Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli leads with 292 points
- Hamilton’s position
- Hamilton is third with 191 points
- Backup venue
- Imola in Italy is listed as a backup for the final round
Quotes
Lewis Hamilton
Seven-time Formula 1 world champion and Ferrari driver
“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 [Domenicali, F1’s chief executive] to make the right decision for the sport. And I do hope we get to go there.”
wionews.com
Sources
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