Lewis Hamilton shares his opinion on racing in the Middle East: "I personally want to go"

Lewis Hamilton has expressed his desire to compete in the Middle Eastern races of the Formula One season, despite ongoing uncertainty. Speaking ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, the British driver stated he would be thrilled to return to the region and placed his trust in F1 to make the correct decision regarding the final rounds.

Hamilton affirmed his love for Middle Eastern races, particularly Abu Dhabi, which serves as the traditional finale for the championship. The Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi has hosted the event since 2009, witnessing several significant moments in Hamilton's career. The races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi are currently scheduled for the 2026 F1 season, although a backup plan involving Imola is reportedly in place if these races cannot proceed.

The uncertainty surrounding the final rounds may impact the championship standings, as Kimi Antonelli leads by 81 points with nine races remaining, while Hamilton occupies third place with 191 points. In the past, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia's Grand Prix were delayed due to regional tensions and subsequently moved to Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia.

The sport requires a minimum of 23 races to fulfill its broadcasting commitments, potentially necessitating a replacement finale if further races are canceled. However, Hamilton would be more than willing to race in Abu Dhabi and Qatar, should the opportunity arise.