Lewis Hamilton has questioned what he sees as a double standard surrounding the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix, pointing to Azerbaijan as F1 weighs whether the final two races of the 2026 season can go ahead amid the ongoing Iran War.
Key Highlights
- Lewis Hamilton has questioned the uncertainty surrounding the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix
- F1 recently raced in Azerbaijan despite its direct land border with Iran
- Qatar and Abu Dhabi are further from Tehran than Baku
- Hamilton hopes both final races can go ahead as planned
Qatar and Abu Dhabi Still Uncertain
The status of the Lusail and Yas Marina races remains uncertain, with F1 facing a new deadline in mid-October to decide whether both events can take place as scheduled. The Qatar GP is currently planned for the final weekend of November, followed by the Abu Dhabi GP on the first weekend of December.
F1 is understood to be aiming for a 23-race season, meaning the Saudi Arabian GP would be the only event dropped if Qatar and Abu Dhabi go ahead. The Bahrain GP was already rearranged and is now being held in Malaysia.
Hamilton Points to Azerbaijan
Hamilton believes the situation raises questions after F1 recently raced in Baku, despite Azerbaijan sharing a direct land border with Iran. Baku is also significantly closer to Tehran, at around 350 miles as the crow flies, compared with roughly 700 miles from Doha and 800 miles from Abu Dhabi.
The seven-time world champion raised the point when discussing the possibility of Imola replacing one of the final races, questioning why concerns had not been raised about Azerbaijan.
“I think people talk a lot about the two, and I don't know everything that is going on in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, as far as Qatar and Abu Dhabi seem okay,” Hamilton said. “No one seems to mention that we were just in Azerbaijan, which is right next to Iran, and no one said anything about it.”
Hamilton Wants Final Races to Go Ahead
Hamilton also gave his thoughts on Imola as a potential alternative, admitting that while he enjoys driving at the Italian circuit, it would not necessarily provide an exciting season finale.
“Imola is a beautiful track to drive, but it would not be very interesting to have the last race there,” he said. “I drove there recently, and it's very bumpy when you've got [straight mode] open, and there won't be overtaking.”
With the final two Grands Prix still under scrutiny, Hamilton hopes the situation improves enough for F1 to return to both venues as planned.
“So I hope there is peace and we can go to those last two, because they're beautiful, and particularly Abu Dhabi, I really like.”
