Lewis Hamilton backs Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as F1 season finale
Lewis Hamilton has expressed his support for Formula One’s planned return to the Middle East, saying he hopes the 2026 season will conclude with races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi despite uncertainty surrounding the final rounds.
The seven-time world champion, now racing for Ferrari, spoke ahead of this weekend’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix, making clear his desire to compete at both venues.
The Qatar Grand Prix is scheduled for November 29, followed by the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit on December 6.
Hamilton hopes to return to Abu Dhabi
Hamilton has a long history with the UAE capital, having won the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix five times.
He said he remains enthusiastic about returning to the region but acknowledged that he does not have complete information about the current security situation.
The British driver expressed confidence in Formula One chief executive Stefano Domenicali and the organisation’s ability to make an appropriate decision.
His comments come after regional tensions raised questions about whether the championship would be able to complete its originally planned calendar.
Earlier this year, the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix were cancelled, prompting further discussion about the season’s remaining Middle East races.
Formula One remains committed to its calendar
Despite the uncertainty, Formula One has not announced any changes to the scheduled Qatar and Abu Dhabi races.
Domenicali has maintained that the championship intends to complete its original calendar, with preparations continuing for both events.
A possible alternative involving Italy’s Imola circuit has reportedly been considered should circumstances prevent the Abu Dhabi finale from taking place.
However, no official decision to relocate or cancel either race has been announced.
Local organisers are continuing their preparations, including the extensive entertainment programme planned around the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The Yas Marina event has become one of Formula One’s signature race weekends, combining the championship finale with concerts, hospitality experiences and international visitors.
Abu Dhabi’s sporting calendar gains momentum
The planned Formula One finale forms part of a busy end-of-year sporting season across the UAE.
Abu Dhabi recently hosted the inaugural EuroLeague basketball SuperCup at Etihad Arena, where Real Madrid claimed the title in front of a packed audience.
Former Real Madrid football stars Gareth Bale and Marcelo were among those in attendance.
The capital is also preparing to welcome another major UFC event on October 24.
UFC 333 is scheduled to feature Alexander Volkanovski against Movsar Evloev, alongside a third meeting between Petr Yan and Merab Dvalishvili.
The event will bring another international combat sports audience to Etihad Arena.
Golf and wrestling add to the UAE lineup
November will bring more international competitions to the Emirates.
The Abu Dhabi Golf Championship is scheduled for November 5–8 at Yas Links, followed by the DP World Tour Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai from November 12–15.
World No 2 Rory McIlroy has also spoken positively about returning to the Middle East, where he has established strong connections over the years.
Meanwhile, Real American Freestyle wrestling will make its Abu Dhabi debut on November 14 after signing a five-year partnership with local organisers.
The event at Etihad Arena will be headlined by Khamzat Chimaev, who represents the UAE internationally.
Dubai will then host the Emirates Dubai 7s from November 27–29 at The Sevens Stadium, bringing together international rugby, sport and entertainment.
All eyes on Yas Marina
For Formula One, the final weeks of the season remain closely watched as organisers assess conditions and continue preparing for the scheduled races.
Hamilton’s comments underline the importance of the Middle East to both the championship and its drivers.
With Qatar and Abu Dhabi still on the official calendar, the seven-time world champion is hoping to finish another F1 season at a circuit where he has enjoyed some of the most memorable victories of his career.
For the UAE, the December 6 race remains the centrepiece of a winter sporting calendar that also includes world-class golf, basketball, combat sports and rugby.
