Lewis Hamilton takes unexpected stance on F1 return to Middle East

Lewis Hamilton has expressed a desire to race in the Middle East at the end of the 2025 F1 season, taking a contrarian stance amid ongoing regional instability following the US and Israel's conflict with Iran. The unrest previously disrupted the season opener in Melbourne and led to the postponement of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix in April, with the Bahrain GP relocated to Malaysia's Sepang circuit and the Jeddah round cancelled entirely. Hamilton acknowledged he lacks full information on risk levels but said he trusts F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali to make the right call, as the series delays its decision on whether the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix will go ahead.