Max Verstappen takes stance on Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix

Max Verstappen has made clear he would rather not travel to Qatar and Abu Dhabi for the final two grands prix of the F1 season, should the races go ahead as scheduled.

The question of where the current campaign will end remains unresolved. Imola is on standby to replace Qatar and Abu Dhabi if the situation in the Middle East is deemed too unsafe for travel.

RacingNews365 understands, however, that F1 is growing in confidence that the races at the Lusail International Circuit and Yas Marina Circuit will go ahead as planned. A firm decision is expected by mid-October. 

"I always really enjoy going to those countries," said Verstappen to Viaplay, when asked how he would feel about racing there.

"But 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."

Asked whether the races would go ahead regardless of his reservations, Verstappen said: "Unfortunately, yes."

Imola remains the fallback option, although conditions there in December are far from ideal. Temperatures would hit a high of 15, and there is a very high risk of rain.

On possibly racing at the Italian circuit, Verstappen added: "That'll be chaos with our rain tyres, I think. But I'm actually fine with that. It's a fun track, of course."