Max Verstappen has said Formula 1 should not travel to Qatar and Abu Dhabi for the final two grands prix of the 2026 season if the regional security situation remains as it is.

Speaking to Dutch broadcaster Viaplay, the Red Bull driver said: “When you know that war is very close by and some countries might be in conflict with each other, I don’t think you should go there. It doesn’t matter whether there’s a contract or not; that’s my personal opinion. But it’s not up to me.”

Imola is on standby to replace Qatar and Abu Dhabi if the Middle East is deemed too unsafe, with a firm decision expected by mid-October. F1 is reportedly growing in confidence that both races can go ahead as planned; asked whether they would go ahead anyway, Verstappen replied: “Unfortunately, yes.”

Lewis Hamilton has said he is comfortable travelling to the region, saying the situation appears under control. Verstappen stressed his concerns were not aimed at Qatar or the UAE themselves.

Earlier this season the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix scheduled for April were cancelled; Bahrain’s race was moved to Malaysia while Saudi Arabia was not replaced.