Lewis Hamilton backs Gulf F1 races despite Iran conflict

Lewis Hamilton said Wednesday he wants Formula One to hold its Qatar and Abu Dhabi races as scheduled despite the continuing conflict involving Iran, while saying he trusts Formula One chief executive Stefano Domenicali to judge the risks.

The Bahrain and Saudi Arabia grands prix were scrapped earlier this season because of Israel and the United States’ war with Iran. Qatar is scheduled for November 29 and Abu Dhabi for December 6.

Speaking in Baku before the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Hamilton said he had always enjoyed racing in the Middle East.

“Personally, I want to go. I love going to the Middle East,” the Ferrari driver said. He added that he did not have all the information on risk levels but trusted Domenicali to make the right decision.

A back-up plan has been prepared for a season-ending race in Imola, Italy. A decision is expected by mid-October.

Hamilton also criticised Formula One’s decision to reduce the maximum distance of a grand prix from 305 kilometres to 290 next season, saying races should be longer because they are “physically easier than ever before”. George Russell said cutting a few laps would have little impact, while Lando Norris called the change a “good compromise”.