Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton has won the inaugural Qatar Grand Prix to cut Max Verstappen's overall Formula One lead to eight points with two races remaining.
After starting seventh, Red Bull's Verstappen finished second, suffering a five-place grid drop for failing to respect warning flags during qualifying, but also taking a bonus point for fastest lap.
Double world champion Fernando Alonso was third - the 40-year-old Spaniard's first podium finish since 2014.
"It was pretty straightforward, it was pretty lonely at the front," says Hamilton, who led from pole position and was never challenged over the 57 laps of the floodlit night race.
"Of course, I enjoy those races where you're battling through, but we needed those points today, so I think a real solid job from the team - bring on the next two."
The win was Hamilton's seventh from 20 races this season and the record-extending 102nd of his career also continued his record of being first to win at new circuits on the calendar.
Verstappen, who has nine wins this year, carried out another solid piece of damage limitation, as Red Bull cut Mercedes' lead in the constructors standings from 11 to five points.
"Of course, our starting position was a bit compromised, but luckily we had a really good start," says Verstappen, who was fourth by the end of the opening lap and soon slotted into second.
"I know it's going to be difficult to the end, but that keeps it exciting. It's going to be a tight battle until the end."
The Dutch 24-year-old can still win the championship with a race to spare at the next round in Saudi Arabia, if Hamilton fails to score.
Red Bull boss told off
Red Bull team boss Christian Horner will have to watch his language, after collecting an official warning from stewards for referring to a "rogue marshal" in a heated reaction to Verstappen's penalty.
Mexican Sergio Perez was fourth for Red Bull with Frenchman Esteban Ocon fifth for Alpine in a race livened up by a spate of punctures late on among those trying to make a single pitstop work.
The Grand Prix was held on the day Qatar and world soccer body FIFA marked one year to go until the start of the 2022 Football World Cup, hosted by the Gulf state.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino brought the World Cup trophy with him, showing it off, while FIA head Jean Todt held the F1 trophy alongside, at a race also attended by former England captain David Beckham.
Reuters
