Hamilton cuts Verstappen’s lead in title chase thanks to Qatar win

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton won the inaugural Qatar Grand Prix yesterday and, more importantly, reduced Red Bull Racing challenger Max Verstappen’s overall championship lead to eight points.

Verstappen finished second, after starting seventh following a five-place grid penalty during Saturday’s qualifying, but took a bonus point for the fastest lap.

It was a commanding performance from Hamilton as he held off his Dutch rival under the Losail circuit’s lights to leave the drivers’ title battle finely poised with two races remaining – Saudi Arabia and the season-ending Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

There was more good news for F1 enthusiasts, with Fernando Alonso taking third place for Alpine – the former two-time world champion’s first podium since 2014.

One week after arguably his toughest victory this season in Brazil, Hamilton enjoyed one of his easiest.

After his eighth world title challenge appeared to be slipping following Verstappen’s wins in the USA and Mexico, the Briton has turned things around nicely for Mercedes.

“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!”

Verstappen, who was demoted from second to seventh on the grid for a yellow flag infringement in qualifying, was not too disappointed. “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.”

Red Bull were, however, mystified by the grid penalty for Verstappen, who lost any chance to challenge Hamilton for the win when he was penalised.

Red Bull principal Christian Horner said Verstappen did not see the yellow flag when it was displayed for Pierre Gasly’s punctured wheel in qualifying.

Horner blamed “a rogue marshal that stuck a flag out and he’s not been instructed to by the FIA. They’ve got to get control of their marshals, it’s as simple as that”.

“We’re really struggling to understand it,” Horner said before the race. “That’s a crucial blow in this world championship for us, we’re now starting P7, that is massive. There needs to be grown-ups making grownup decisions.”