Hamilton cruises in Qatar

LEWIS Hamilton won yesterday’s inaugural Qatar Grand Prix with a commanding performance from pole to cut Max Verstappen’s Formula One world championship lead to eight points.

The Mercedes seven-time world champion held off his Dutch rival’s Red Bull by a country mile under the Losail circuit’s lights to leave the battle for the drivers’ crown delicately poised with only two races remaining.

Fernando Alonso, 40, took third place for Alpine for the former twotime world champion’s first podium finish since 2014, and he received a huge cheer from the crowd.

A week on from arguably his toughest and greatest win in Brazil, Hamilton enjoyed one of his easiest.

And after an unprecedented eighth world title appeared to be slipping from his grasp after Verstappen’s wins in the United States and Mexico, it is the 36-year-old Briton rather than the 24-year-old Dutchman who has the momentum.

“We needed those points today. I can’t wait to watch the race replay to find out what happened behind me,” Hamilton said after his 102nd career win.

“I’m really grateful for these points, it’s been a hell of a year.

“Back-to-back wins here, feel good – I feel fit, fitter than I’ve ever felt. Bring on the next two (Grands Prix)!”

Verstappen, who was demoted from second to seventh place on the starting grid for a yellow flag infringement in qualifying on Saturday, took second place and picked up a championship bonus point for the fastest lap of the race.

“Our starting position was compromised, but luckily we had a really good start,” he said.

“Of course, I know it’s going to be difficult to the end but it keeps it nice, keeps it exciting.

“This track was fun to drive as well. I feel good, but it’s going to be a tight battle to the end.”

Hamilton’s faster engine, fitted last weekend in Sao Paulo, Brazil, will probably give Red Bull a tough time of things again at the ultraquick new circuit in Saudi Arabia in a fortnight’s time before the season finale in Abu Dhabi in middecember.