Lewis Hamilton secures Qatar GP victory

Seven-times world champion Lewis Hamilton won the inaugural Qatar Grand Prix for Mercedes on Sunday to cut Max Verstappen's overall Formula One lead to eight points with two races remaining.

Red Bull's Verstappen was second, after starting seventh following a five-place grid drop for failing to respect warning flags in Saturday's qualifying, but took a bonus point for fastest lap.

Double world champion Fernando Alonso was third for Renault-owned Alpine, the 40-year-old Spaniard's first podium finish since 2014.

LEWIS: "It was a pretty straightforward race in the end and it was a great job by the team because we really needed the points today.

"To get back-to-back wins is a great feeling and sets us up well for the final two races."#QatarGP 🇶🇦 #F1 pic.twitter.com/jwDpXNSFa9

— Formula 1 (@F1) November 21, 2021

FERNANDO: "It's been seven years but finally we got there [a podium finish]! I'm so happy for the team.

"The team were excellent and the reliability of the car is great at the moment. I've waited so long for this and I'm so happy!"#QatarGP 🇶🇦 #F1 pic.twitter.com/4zs7ghEFCn

— Formula 1 (@F1) November 21, 2021