Seven-times world champion Lewis Hamilton received the inaugural Qatar Grand Prix for Mercedes on Sunday to chop Max Verstappen’s general Method One result in eight factors with two races remaining.
Crimson Bull’s Verstappen was second, after beginning seventh following a five-place grid drop for failing to respect warning flags in Saturday’s qualifying, however took a bonus level for quickest lap.
Double world champion Fernando Alonso was third for Renault-owned Alpine, the 40-year-old Spaniard’s first podium end since 2014.
“It was fairly easy, it was fairly lonely on the entrance,” stated Hamilton, who led from pole place and was by no means challenged over the 57 laps of the floodlit night time race.
“In fact, I take pleasure in these races the place you’re battling by way of however we would have liked these factors as we speak, so I believe an actual stable job from the crew…Deliver on the subsequent two.”
The win was Hamilton’s seventh from 20 races this season and the record-extending 102nd of his profession additionally continued his report of being first to win at new circuits on the calendar.
Verstappen, who has 9 wins this 12 months, carried out one other stable piece of harm limitation as Crimson Bull minimize Mercedes lead within the constructors’ standings from 11 to 5 factors.
“In fact, our beginning place was a bit compromised however fortunately we had a extremely good begin,” stated Verstappen, who was fourth by the tip of the opening lap and shortly slotted into second.
“I do know it’s going to be troublesome to the tip however that retains it thrilling. It’s going to be a good battle till the tip.”
The Dutch 24-year-old can nonetheless win the championship with a race to spare on the subsequent spherical in Saudi Arabia if Hamilton fails to attain.
Mexican Sergio Perez was fourth for Crimson Bull with Frenchman Esteban Ocon fifth for Alpine in a race with a sudden spate of punctures late on amongst these making an attempt to make a single cease work.
Lance Stroll took sixth for Aston Martin, forward of the Ferrari pairing of Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc. Lando Norris completed ninth for McLaren and Sebastian Vettel tenth for Aston Martin.