Hamilton backs F1 plan to close season with Middle East races

Lewis Hamilton has said he hopes Formula One will go ahead with its scheduled season finale in the Middle East, even as the war in the region leaves the closing rounds of the calendar in doubt.

Speaking ahead of this weekend's Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Hamilton addressed the uncertainty hanging over the final two events of the campaign, in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, as Guardian Formula One reports.

"I personally want to go. I love going to the Middle East," Hamilton said.

According to Guardian Formula One, the sport is currently pressing ahead with its original plan to stage both grands prix as scheduled. A contingency arrangement is understood to be in place, however, with Imola on standby to host a final round should the situation in the Middle East force the cancellation of both meetings.

Hamilton said he trusted Formula One to make the right call, acknowledging that there is unease among a number of figures in the paddock at the prospect of racing in the region while the conflict continues.

The uncertainty adds an unusual layer of doubt to the closing stages of the season, with organisers monitoring the situation before committing fully to the Qatar and Abu Dhabi rounds as planned.

Attention this weekend turns to Baku for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, with the question of how and where the season concludes likely to remain live until Formula One provides further clarity on the status of the Middle East fixtures.