Lewis Hamilton on Wednesday said he hopes that this year's Formula One world championship will conclude with its two races as scheduled in the Middle East despite the continuing conflict.
The Bahrain and Saudi Arabia grands prix were scrapped earlier this season due to the start of Israel and the United States' war with Iran.
The seven-time world champion said he believed "things seem to be okay out there" and added that he trusted the judgement of Formula One chief executive Stefano Domenicali in making the right decisions.
Speaking in Baku ahead of this weekend's Azerbaijan Grand Prix, a country that borders Iran, Hamilton said he had always enjoyed going to the races in Qatar, scheduled for November 29, and Abu Dhabi, on December 6.
"Personally, I want to go.
I love going to the Middle East,” said the Ferrari driver.
"From what I have read, things seem ok out there, but I don't have all the information and I don't know what the risk levels are.
"I trust Stefano to make the right decision for the sport.
And I do hope we go there." A back-up plan to stage a season-ending race in Imola in Italy has been put in place.
Most members of the F1 circus, a 2,000 strong group of teams, media and officials, have expressed a wish to avoid travelling to the final races.
A decision is expected by mid-October.
'Races should be longer' Hamilton also spoke out against....
