Hamilton questions F1’s consistency over Middle East race concerns

Lewis Hamilton has questioned what he sees as a double standard in the discussion around Formula 1’s uncertain Qatar and Abu Dhabi races, pointing to the championship’s recent visit to Azerbaijan as a contrast.

Qatar and Abu Dhabi remain in doubt

F1 is currently understood to be aiming for both races to go ahead as part of a 23-race season. Under that scenario, the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix would be the only event to drop from the schedule, while the Bahrain Grand Prix has been rearranged and will take place in Malaysia. The Bahrain change forms part of the wider calendar picture, as covered in this update on the race’s move to Malaysia.

Asked about the possibility of Imola replacing Abu Dhabi as the season finale, Hamilton argued that the conversation had not applied the same scrutiny to the Azerbaijan race.

“Imola is a beautiful track to drive, but it would not be very interesting to have the last race there,” he said. “I drove there recently, and it’s very bumpy when you’ve got straight mode open, and there won’t be overtaking.”

Hamilton calls for perspective

The seven-time champion said he did not know all the details behind the uncertainty in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, but questioned why Azerbaijan had not prompted similar public concern.

“I think people talk a lot about the two, and I don’t know everything that is going on in Qatar and Abu Dhabi. But no one seems to mention that we were just in Azerbaijan, which is right next to Iran, and no one said anything about it.”

Hamilton’s comments underline the tension between the calendar’s intended shape and the uncertainty surrounding its final rounds. He said he hoped for peace and for both races to go ahead, adding that he considers them beautiful events and has a particular fondness for Abu Dhabi.