Four-time world champion Max Verstappen has firmly clarified his position regarding the final rounds of the 2026 Formula 1 season in Qatar and Abu Dhabi. The Dutch driver emphasized that he never explicitly refused to race in the region, despite previously raising serious concerns regarding ongoing geopolitical conflicts nearby.
The discussion intensified following earlier remarks made to Viaplay in September, where he suggested that the sport should reconsider visiting venues surrounded by regional tensions, regardless of existing contractual obligations held by Formula 1 management.
Regional security has remained a major talking point throughout the campaign, forcing adjustments such as the cancellation of the Saudi Arabian round and the relocation of the Bahrain Grand Prix to Malaysia. The persistent security concerns following conflicts breaking out earlier in the year have fueled continuous debates over whether the final two Grands Prix require contingency planning.
While reports indicate that Imola is being kept on standby as a backup venue for 6 December, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has maintained confidence that the scheduled finale in the Middle East will proceed as planned. Addressing speculation about a potential driver boycott, Verstappen insisted that ultimate authority rests with the governing bodies.
"I said that I didn’t want to race there? I just said that I love going there, but, of course, under the right terms," Verstappen told media representatives, reiterating his trust in the sport's leadership to prioritize safety based on comprehensive security intelligence.
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