Lewis Hamilton on race cancellations in the Middle East: “Things are actually quite okay”

The Middle East conflict continues, with the outcome of this powder keg still uncertain; there is no sign of any political or diplomatic rapprochement or solution. Rumours have been circulating in the Formula 1 paddock for some time: it is only a matter of time before the International Automobile Federation (FIA) and Formula One Management cancel the Middle East Grands Prix in Qatar and Abu Dhabi – and opt for the World Championship finale at Imola in Italy.

Due to the conflict, the planned Grands Prix in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia could not take place in the spring. The Bahrain Grand Prix will now be held on 4 October in Malaysia, whilst the Saudi Arabian World Championship round in Jeddah will not be rescheduled.

Against this backdrop, the comments made by Ferrari superstar Lewis Hamilton in Baku come as something of a surprise to some, given the uncertainty surrounding the races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi. The most successful Formula 1 driver says: “Personally, I’d love to go there. I love being in the Middle East. And from what I’ve been reading, things there seem to be quite okay.”

Hamilton adds a caveat: “But I don’t have all the information on this, so I don’t know how high the risk is. I have complete faith in (Formula 1 CEO) Stefano Domenicali to do what’s right for the sport. But I hope we can go there.”

Commenting on a possible World Championship finale at Imola, the Englishman says: “Finishing the season at Imola in winter might not be the best idea from a weather perspective. It’s a wonderful circuit, but there isn’t much overtaking there. And in any case, as far as I’m concerned – the more races, the better.”

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