Hamilton backs Middle East finish, Red Bull set 2027 line-up

Baku media day arrived on Wednesday, and the headlines came quickly. Lewis Hamilton backed F1 finishing the season in the Middle East, Red Bull confirmed Isack Hadjar for 2027, and Esteban Ocon's Haas exit is set for the end of the year.

Why it matters:

The Middle East finale is central to how this season ends, and Hamilton's stance adds momentum to completing the calendar as planned. Red Bull's decision on Hadjar settles one piece of the 2027 driver market, but Ocon's departure opens another. With Aston Martin pushing back on Alonso speculation, the off-track picture is getting busy.

The details:

• Hamilton wants F1 to complete the season in the Middle East, taking an unexpected stance on Qatar and Abu Dhabi despite threats to those races.
• Red Bull have extended Isack Hadjar's contract, locking him in for the 2027 F1 season.
• Aston Martin say “maybe more was made” of FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem's comments on Fernando Alonso than was the case in Spain.
• Esteban Ocon will not race for Haas in 2027. His options remain open with several midfield seats unconfirmed.
• Baku hosts round 15 as a rare Saturday race, mixing ancient architecture with the fastest straight on the calendar. Verstappen's onboard lap is a useful primer.

What's next:

All attention now turns to Baku, with qualifying on Friday and the race on Saturday. The midfield fight could shape the driver market, especially with Ocon officially on the move. The 2027 picture is already taking shape behind the scenes.