Verstappen expects no F1 split over Qatar security concerns

Max Verstappen does not expect Formula 1 teams to fracture over the Gulf security situation in the way MotoGP has after Yamaha decided not to race in Qatar this weekend. Both championships are controlled by Liberty Media, which makes Yamaha's refusal to travel to Lusail awkward as F1 prepares for its Qatar and Abu Dhabi finale later this month.

F1 continues to insist both grands prix will go ahead, and reports suggest teams have been urged to trust F1 and the FIA and maintain a united public position while the security situation is monitored. Verstappen said he did not think an outright split was likely, and noted he had not heard drivers discussing it much.

Verstappen has been one of the few prominent F1 figures willing to question travelling to the region, saying that if the decision were entirely his he might prefer not to go. He said he would be happy to go at present, but that everything depends on the safety guarantees provided and developments in the coming weeks.