Lewis Hamilton visited Egypt’s Rafah border crossing on Tuesday, November 10, to observe humanitarian aid operations for Gaza. The Ferrari driver toured facilities managed by the Egyptian Red Crescent in El Arish.
Hamilton met with officials and aid workers, including North Sinai Governor Khaled Megawer. He greeted personnel with the Arabic phrase “Al-Salamo Alaykom,” meaning “peace be upon you.”
The seven-time world champion remained on the Egyptian side of the border. There is no confirmation that he entered Gaza. Hamilton has consistently advocated for peace and a ceasefire in the region.
His visit followed his 400th Formula 1 race start at the São Paulo Grand Prix. Aid deliveries into Gaza continue to fall short of the agreed minimum of 600 trucks daily.
Formula 1 confirmed on November 10 that Imola will not be required to host a replacement Grand Prix. The Italian circuit had been on standby for a possible December race.
This contingency plan was in place due to ongoing uncertainty surrounding the Qatar and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix. F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali had previously confirmed on October 3 that both Middle East races would proceed.
The decision to proceed was based on security assurances received by the championship. The Qatar Grand Prix is scheduled for November 27-29.
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is set for December 4-6, concluding the 2026 season. Earlier this year, the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix were cancelled due to regional conflict.
Bahrain’s race was subsequently relocated to Sepang, Malaysia, in October. Max Verstappen had voiced discomfort regarding racing in the region.
The UK government continues to issue travel warnings for Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. These warnings cite possible flight cancellations, airspace closures, and security risks.
A threat remains that the 2026 championship could conclude in Las Vegas on November 21 if the scheduled Middle East races cannot proceed. This is a contingency, not a confirmed calendar change.
The FIA completed its third and final Additional Development and Upgrade Opportunities (ADUO) assessment for 2026. No new engine homologation allowances were granted.
The ADUO system provides additional development opportunities for manufacturers whose internal combustion engines (ICE) fall significantly behind the benchmark. Red Bull Ford Powertrains was identified as the leading ICE.
Mercedes retains one extra homologation for 2026 and another for 2027, having been 2-4% behind Red Bull. Ferrari, Audi, and Honda each retain two extra homologations for both seasons, being more than 4% behind.
These allowances include corresponding increases in permitted dynamometer testing and adjustments to the power-unit cost cap. The FIA confirmed performance gaps changed but not enough for further concessions.
FIA Single-Seater Director Nikolas Tombazis expressed confidence in the assessment process. He acknowledged that the methodology could be refined for future seasons.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli secured the 2026 Drivers’ Championship on November 1 at the Mexico City Grand Prix. Mercedes clinched the 2026 Constructors’ Championship on November 8 in São Paulo.
Max Verstappen leads George Russell by 17 points in the battle for second place in the drivers’ standings. Verstappen has 279 points, Russell 262, and Lewis Hamilton 261.
Over the last five Grands Prix, Verstappen accumulated 116 points, while Russell secured 26. This represents a 90-point difference.
Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff stated the team is considering measures to maximize Russell’s chances of finishing second. Russell needs to outscore Verstappen by at least 18 points.
Previously unheard radio messages from the São Paulo Grand Prix revealed communication issues between Hamilton and Ferrari. Hamilton repeatedly questioned his race position.
Race engineer Carlo Santi admitted he did not immediately know Hamilton’s position during an exchange involving Lando Norris. Hamilton asked, ‘What do you mean you don’t know, why’s Norris ahead of me?’
Ferrari later clarified that Norris was leading and Hamilton was a lap behind. Confusion also arose regarding tyre strategy and Hamilton missing the pit entrance as rain intensified.
Hamilton started 20th in São Paulo due to a new power unit and finished ninth. He made up 11 positions on the opening lap.
Hamilton later acknowledged that the decision to remain on intermediate tyres was his own. He apologized to the team for this strategic call.
