Hamilton ‘hopes’ Middle East finale goes ahead despite conflict

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LEWIS HAMILTON “hopes” Formula One presses ahead with ending this season in the Middle East, despite the ongoing United States-Iran conflict.

The campaign is scheduled to finish with rounds in Qatar on November 29 and then in Abu Dhabi a week later. Imola has been placed on standby if the races cannot take place.

Britain’s current Foreign Office advice says the situation in the region “remains unpredictable” and that there is “a risk of more attacks and unforeseen escalation.”

And there is unease within the paddock about going to the area. It is understood some of the sport’s 2,000-strong travelling circus, of which 10 of the 11 teams are based in Britain, have expressed a will not to attend.

However, speaking ahead of Saturday’s fixture in Azerbaijan, which borders Iran, Hamilton said: “I personally want to go. I love going to the Middle East.

“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 [F1 CEO] Stefano [Domenicali] to make the right decision for the sport. And I do hope we get to go there.”

It had been anticipated a decision on whether the races go ahead would be taken by the middle of this month.

However, F1 is prepared to wait. There is no firm timeline in place, and the expectation as it stands, is that at least one of the races will be staged. Tickets remain on sale for both events.

The rounds in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia were cancelled earlier this year, although a “Bahrain Grand Prix” will unusually be staged at Malaysia’s Sepang venue, south of Kuala Lumpur, in a week’s time.

Meanwhile, Isack Hadjar has been handed a second season with Red Bull after the French driver was confirmed as Max Verstappen’s team-mate for 2027 today.

Hadjar joins a rare breed to be rewarded with a follow-up campaign alongside four-time world champion Verstappen at the notoriously ruthless Red Bull team.

Hadjar has scored 71 points so far, with a best finish of third in Monaco in June.

“I am really excited to continue with Red Bull Racing,” he said. “I’m constantly looking to listen, learn and push myself further every single day, which only makes me more excited about what lies ahead.”