Sep.27 (GMM) Max Verstappen says Formula 1 should not travel to Qatar and Abu Dhabi if the regional security situation remains as it is.
The four-time world champion told Viaplay that safety should outweigh the commercial and contractual importance of the final two rounds.
“I usually look forward to trips to Qatar and Abu Dhabi, but when you know there’s a war going on nearby… I don’t think we should go there,” he said in Azerbaijan, a neighbouring country to Iran.
“But that’s out of my hands.”
Verstappen also dismissed the argument that existing race contracts should force F1 to proceed.
“In that case, I don’t think it matters whether you have a contract or not,” said the Red Bull driver.
Imola remains on standby for the December 6 finale if the Middle East rounds are dropped.
“Yes, I think it will be chaos with our rain tyres,” Verstappen joked about a race in Italy just weeks before Christmas.
“But yeah, you know, actually I’m fine with that. It is a fun circuit, of course.”
The uncertainty has created an even stranger situation in Formula 2.
Three races were held in Baku this weekend partly to provide insurance if the Qatar and Abu Dhabi rounds disappear, meaning Azerbaijan could retrospectively turn out to have been the championship finale.
Rafael Camara left Baku leading Nikola Tsolov by 7 points after winning the second Feature Race.
But the Ferrari junior told Sky Italia that he still does not know whether he has effectively become champion.
“I think it would certainly be strange if the season ended at home, given that it’s never happened before,” said the Brazilian, who is strongly linked with a move to Haas for 2027.
“But in any case, I think the year has been positive overall.”
F1 is expected to make its final decision by mid-October.
Verstappen, meanwhile, is already looking forward to next weekend’s relocated Bahrain GP at Sepang.
“I always think it’s a great circuit,” said the quadruple world champion.
“It will be tough on the tyres. Of course, it’s always very hot there. I always really enjoyed driving there.”
“The tyre degradation will be high. We’ll see in Malaysia.”
Join Grand Prix Tours in Austin, Texas for the high-energy 2026 United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas. Experience nonstop action on one of Formula 1’s most exciting tracks, featuring dramatic elevation changes, thrilling overtakes, and a packed race weekend. Off the track, enjoy a festival atmosphere with live music, world-famous BBQ, and buzzing nightlife. Your Grand Prix Tours package includes a fully curated race weekend, highlighted by exclusive access to our private F1 Celebrity Talk Show, where guests gain insider insights and behind-the-scenes perspectives. With demand soaring and this event quickly becoming a modern American racing tradition, now is the time to secure your spot for an unforgettable Austin Grand Prix experience.
SHOW PACKAGES
There are motorsport events, and then there is the Indianapolis 500, the "Greatest Spectacle in Racing." Next year marks Grand Prix Tours' 42nd Indianapolis 500 tour and our decades of experience and local connections provide exclusive access that few fans ever enjoy, including police escorts on race day, a Dallara IndyCar Factory tour, Gasoline Alley and Legends Day, the Driver Introduction Ceremony, and a private dinner with former Indy driver Derek Daly. Combined with excellent hotel accommodations, seamless event planning, and Grand Prix Tours' signature service, this is far more than a race weekend; it's a once-in-a-lifetime motorsport experience. With tour spaces limited each year, we encourage you to reserve your place early for the 111th Indianapolis 500.
SHOW PACKAGES
Experience Formula 1 at its most iconic with an unforgettable trip to the 2027 Grand Prix de Monaco. Feel the excitement as the world’s best drivers race through the legendary streets of Monte Carlo, surrounded by superyachts, Mediterranean views, and the unmistakable glamour of Monaco. From incredible race viewing to carefully selected accommodations, Grand Prix Tours brings you closer to the action at one of the most prestigious and spectacular events in all of motorsport.
SHOW PACKAGES
The 24 Hours of Le Mans is the ultimate test of speed, strategy, and endurance. Watch the world's top manufacturers battle for 24 nonstop hours in one of motorsport's most prestigious events. With Grand Prix Tours handling your accommodations, transfers, and ticket options, all that's left is to experience this unforgettable bucket-list race.
SHOW PACKAGES
Feel the roar of Formula 1 at its spiritual home. Silverstone is one of the fastest and most demanding circuits in the world, where brave overtakes, lightning-fast direction changes, and flat-out commitment separate the best from the rest. Combined with the electric atmosphere created by hundreds of thousands of passionate fans, the British Grand Prix delivers a race weekend unlike any other.
SHOW PACKAGES