Max Verstappen has questioned whether Formula 1 should race in Qatar and Abu Dhabi while conflict continues in the Middle East, arguing that a contractual commitment should not outweigh safety concerns.
The Red Bull driver was asked about the possibility of the final two races of the 2026 season being held in the Gulf. Qatar is currently scheduled for November 29, followed by the Abu Dhabi season finale on December 6. Both races remain on the official FIA calendar.
Verstappen made clear that, in his view, the wider geopolitical situation should be the priority.
“If you know that war is very close and some countries could be in conflict with each other, then I think you shouldn’t go there,” Verstappen told Viaplay.
He continued:
“It doesn’t matter whether there’s a treaty or not. That’s my personal opinion. But it’s not up to me.”
Verstappen questions Gulf season finale
Verstappen’s comments come as Formula 1 continues to assess whether the final two races can safely take place in the region.
Formula 1 had previously said the Qatar and Abu Dhabi events were confirmed, while keeping contingency plans in place should the situation deteriorate. Imola has emerged as the principal European alternative if the races cannot go ahead.
The issue is particularly significant because Formula 1 has already been forced to alter its 2026 calendar because of the conflict.
The Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix were called off earlier in the year. Bahrain has subsequently been transferred to Malaysia’s Sepang circuit and will retain its Bahrain Grand Prix designation, with the event scheduled for October 2–4. Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, has not received a replacement date.
Imola remains the leading contingency option
Should Qatar and Abu Dhabi ultimately be removed, Formula 1 has indicated that the season would finish in Europe rather than adding another race elsewhere.
Imola is understood to be the leading candidate. However, moving the finale to December would create an unusual challenge because of the potential for cold and wet conditions at the Italian circuit.
Verstappen does not appear particularly concerned about the prospect of difficult weather.
“It’s going to be chaos with our rain tires,” he said when discussing the possibility of a wet race in Italy.
The Dutchman nevertheless believes the circuit itself would provide an enjoyable challenge.
“It’s still fun.”
F1 faces another difficult calendar decision
The uncertainty means Formula 1 could face a second major calendar disruption in the same season.
The sport has already demonstrated its willingness to relocate a race rather than lose it entirely, with Sepang taking over Bahrain’s slot in October. But Qatar and Abu Dhabi present a more complicated situation because they occupy the final two positions on the calendar.
Recent reporting has indicated that the commercial and contractual implications of cancelling the Gulf races are also significant, with Formula 1 weighing those issues alongside safety and logistical considerations.
For Verstappen, however, the principle is straightforward: if the regional security situation makes travel unsafe, a contract should not be the deciding factor.
His comments add another prominent driver’s voice to an increasingly important question surrounding the final phase of the 2026 Formula 1 season.
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