Max Verstappen has once again sidestepped questions about a potential boycott of Formula 1 races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi. The Red Bull driver refused to give a definitive answer when asked if he would boycott the races should F1 proceed with its planned season finale in the Middle East.
Uncertainty looms over the 2026 F1 calendar. The ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran has put the Qatar and Abu Dhabi races in jeopardy. Imola has been mentioned as a contingency venue to host the season finale, but F1 remains hopeful it can still race in the Middle East. A final decision is expected by mid-October.
Speaking to ViaPlay at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Max Verstappen said that if it were up to him, F1 would not finish the season in Qatar and Abu Dhabi. “Normally I am happy to go to Qatar and Abu Dhabi, but 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,” he said. “Then, it doesn't matter if you have a contract or not. But it's not up to me.”
Those comments sparked speculation. At the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, Verstappen was asked again if he would boycott the races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi if they went ahead. He dodged the question, saying, “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. But I trust that F1 and the FIA will take the right decision because they will have more information than us.”
The pressure continued. When pressed again on whether he would consider a boycott, Verstappen evaded for a second time. “Like I said, I trust that they will make the right call,” he replied briefly. His cautious stance indicates he does not want to get caught in a controversy that could impact his career.
Interestingly, Lewis Hamilton took a different view. The seven-time world champion expressed his desire to race in the Middle East. “I personally want to go. I love going to the Middle East,” the Ferrari driver said in Baku. “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 to make the right decision for the sport. And I do hope we get to go there.”
The contrasting views between Verstappen and Hamilton highlight the complexity of the situation facing F1. On one hand, safety and geopolitical factors are paramount. On the other, commercial aspects and contracts with race promoters cannot be ignored. F1 and the FIA are now under pressure to make a wise decision that considers the safety of all parties without compromising the integrity of the sport.
Meanwhile, fans await certainty on where the 2026 season will end. Will F1 stick with the Middle East or switch to Imola? Clearly, this debate reflects how global politics can influence the world of racing, and drivers are expected to take a stance without offending any party.
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