September 29, 2023

Wade Through Films

The Ultimate Driving Machines

Lewis Hamilton wins Qatar Grand Prix, cutting Verstappen’s points lead

LOSAIL, Qatar — Lewis Hamilton inched closer to the Components One championship guide with a dominating victory Sunday in the inaugural Qatar Grand Prix to earn back-to-back wins and chip absent at Max Verstappen’s factors advantage.

Hamilton, who also received past week in Brazil, has trimmed 17 factors from Verstappen’s guide in the title race in a week. Verstappen continue to retains an 8-place guide with two races remaining in 1 of the most dramatic F1 title fights in at minimum a 10 years.

“I’m seriously, seriously grateful for these factors. It is been a hell of a 12 months,” Hamilton mentioned. “To be at this place in the 12 months and have back-to-back wins is a great feeling.”

The seven-time champion started from pole for Mercedes and was by no means challenged on the Losail International Circuit as Hamilton received his 102nd career race. It was his seventh victory of the year.

Verstappen finished second for Purple Bull, practically twenty five seconds guiding Hamilton.

“It was really lonely at the entrance,” Hamilton mentioned.

Verstappen was strike with a penalty prior to the race even began when he was dropped five spots on the setting up grid for violating a yellow flag in Saturday’s qualifying. The Dutchman had experienced second but the stewards purchased him to fall back on the grid pursuing Sunday hearings for Verstappen, Valtteri Bottas and Carlos Sainz.

All 3 ended up accused of not pursuing yellow flag guidelines around the close of qualifying. Bottas, who had experienced third, was penalized 3 setting up athletics. Sainz was not penalized.

Purple Bull was mystified by the grid penalty for Verstappen, who shed any likelihood to obstacle Hamilton for the earn when he was penalized. Purple Bull principal Christian Horner criticized the penalty when it was handed down.

“We’re seriously struggling to realize it,” Horner mentioned. “That’s a vital blow in this earth championship for us.”

In spite of the penalty, Verstappen needed only five laps to recover and generate back to in which he was originally slated to start.

“Our setting up situation was a bit compromised,” Verstappen mentioned. “I know it is really going to be tricky to the close but I consider which is awesome. It keeps it remarkable.”

But he mentioned he was completely ready for the troubles in advance in Saudi Arabia and the finale in Abu Dhabi.

“I feel very good,” he mentioned. “It’s going to be restricted.”

Hamilton, winner of four straight titles, has all the momentum now. The British driver is trying to find a report eighth F1 title, which would go him earlier Michael Schumacher.

“I’m feeling seriously very good, I am seriously, seriously happy with the car,” Hamilton mentioned. “I feel fitter than at any time, so which is a optimistic.”

Fernando Alonso of Alpine finished third for his 1st podium due to the fact 2014. He was aided by the pre-race penalties to Verstappen and Bottas, which moved the Spaniard up to third on the setting up grid.

Sergio Perez finished fourth to help Purple Bull in its push to conquer Mercedes for the constructors championship.

Similar online video: