Hamilton backs Middle East finale despite security concerns

Lewis Hamilton has publicly backed F1's plan to finish the season in the Middle East, despite the security concerns that have already forced the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix to be postponed earlier this year.

The seven-time drivers' champion says he "loves going to the Middle East" and believes the situation appears manageable, while admitting he doesn't have full visibility of the risk assessments. The region remains on edge following the US and Israel's war with Iran, which disrupted travel to the season-opening round in Melbourne and prompted the April cancellations.

Why it matters:

With the season scheduled to close with a triple-header through Las Vegas, Qatar and Abu Dhabi, F1 faces a pivotal call on whether to commit to the Middle East or trigger a late calendar reshuffle. Other racing series have already axed their late-season Middle East rounds, and the expectation is F1 may eventually follow suit.

The details:

• Hamilton's stance: "I personally want to go. I love going to the Middle East. From what I've read, I think things seem okay out there," Hamilton told media, including RacingNews365.
• Trust in leadership: The Ferrari driver said he trusts F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali to make the right decision for the sport, but hopes the championship gets to race in the region.
• Contingency plan: Imola is the current favourite to step in for the vacated slot — most likely the Abu Dhabi round — with the Bahrain GP already set to be hosted by Sepang in Malaysia next weekend.
• Winter in Imola: Hamilton highlighted the pitfalls of an Italian finale in December, citing poor weather and limited overtaking at the historic circuit. "It's a beautiful track, but it's not a track that we're going to be doing any overtaking at. And the more races for me, the better."

What's next:

F1 is delaying its decision to the last possible moment, but mounting pressure from the wider motorsport calendar suggests a call is imminent. If the Middle East rounds are scrapped, Imola would step in — but Hamilton's comments underline that the preference, from drivers and the sport alike, remains racing where the season was always meant to end.