Max Verstappen has taken a firm stance against Formula 1 racing in the Middle East later this season, stating that the sport "shouldn't go" given the ongoing conflict in the region. The Red Bull driver's comments come amid escalating tensions in the Gulf, where the US and Israel launched joint strikes on Iran in February, causing chaos across the area.
The conflict has spilt into neighbouring countries, with drone strikes affecting Saudi Arabia and Qatar. The fallout has already disrupted the motorsport calendar: the FIA WEC cancelled all Middle Eastern rounds this year, and F1's Bahrain Grand Prix is being held in Malaysia this weekend. F1 has set a mid-October deadline to decide on races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, though many governments advise against travel to the region.
As of now, F1's Plan A is to hold the Qatar and Abu Dhabi races, with Imola on standby as a potential replacement for the season finale. But Lewis Hamilton has voiced his support for going ahead. "I personally want to go. I love going to the Middle East," said the seven-time world champion. "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 [Domenicali] to make the right decision for the sport, but I do hope that we get to go there."
Verstappen, however, sees it differently. "Normally, I am happy to go to Qatar and Abu Dhabi," he told ViaPlay. "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. Then, it doesn't matter if you have a contract or not, I think. But it's not up to me."
F1 has a mixed history with racing in the Middle East during unrest. The 2011 Bahrain Grand Prix was cancelled amid civil unrest, but the race went ahead in 2012 despite tensions, with several Force India team members leaving after a petrol bomb incident. In 2022, the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix proceeded despite a missile strike near the Jeddah circuit.
With tensions only escalating—President Trump is threatening to renew bombing campaigns on Iran after November's mid-terms—the decision won't be easy. The Qatar GP is scheduled for 27-29 November, with Abu Dhabi a week later. All eyes are on F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali to determine whether the races will go ahead or if alternatives will be sought.
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