MOTORSPORT: Hamilton wins Qatar Grand Prix

The difference between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton in the 2021 Formula 1 drivers’ championship is down to just eight points after the inaugural Qatar Grand Prix.

Hamilton won again in a Mercedes-AMG which now has a clear speed advantage, but Verstappen minimised the damage as he finished second for Red Bull despite a grid penalty for ignoring a yellow warning flag in qualifying.

Two-times world champion Fernando Alonso finally got back on the podium as he raced to third but there were no points for Daniel Ricciardo who trailed in 12th with his McLaren.

Hamilton was never going to be troubled as he shot into the lead from pole position but Verstappen was quickly into gear and chasing from seventh position, despite clocking the second-quickest qualifying time.

The championship leader also managed to score a bonus point for the fastest lap as the title fighters head to the first Saudi Arabia Grand Prix before the championship finale in Abu Dhabi.

“I’m of course happy with the result. I had fun today, especially when going for the fastest lap,” said Verstappen.

“I tried everything I could after the five-place grid penalty. I’m also happy for Fernando, we all know how good he is, there’s no doubt about that.”

Hamilton’s win under lights on the desert circuit was the 102nd of his career, on the 30th different track.

It means Mercedes-AMG clings to a narrow five-point lead in the constructors’ championship, despite a non-finish for his teammate Valtteri Bottas, who retired with suspension damage after a puncture.

“It’s been a hell of a year so, to be at this point of the season and have back-to-back wins is a great feeling. It was a pretty straightforward race for me, a little bit lonely but, of course, we needed those points,” said Hamilton.

“It’s amazing to be able to close the gap so much in the last two weeks. We’ve still got our work cut out, but we’re loving such a close battle and the challenge that it brings.”

Alonso, like Ricciardo who made the podium last year at Alpine before switching to McLaren, was overjoyed with third after gambling on a one-stop strategy as the leaders pitted twice for tyres.

“It felt fantastic today and to be back on the podium was so good. We deserved this result as a team and I’ve had to wait seven years since my last one. Hopefully we don’t need to wait this long again,” Alonso said.

Ricciardo was only three places behind his teammate Lando Norris, but didn’t get a clear shot after fuel troubles.

“Unfortunately, a pretty disappointing end to the triple-header today. We had to save (fuel) which dictated our race,” he said.

“I think a weekend off is necessary for everyone involved. We’ll debrief now, try to understand the issues today and then we’ve got some sim time next week to get ready for the last two. Let’s finish strong,” he said, speaking for everyone in F1.

2021 Qatar Grand Prix results:

2021 Formula 1 driver standings: