Lewis Hamilton has won the Qatar Grand Prix in unchallenged fashion. Max Verstappen came back from a grid penalty to take second place and an extra point for the fastest lap. The surprise of the weekend, however, came in the form of Fernando Alonso, who took a podium finish for the first time in seven years.

As in Brazil, there was plenty of drama and controversy in Qatar before the race even started. Max Verstappen was told shortly before the start that he would have to start seventh instead of second due to a grid penalty.

Verstappen not hindered by Gasly and Alonso

The Dutchman made quick work of the penalty by gaining three places at the start and climbing up to second place within a few laps. He did this by overtaking Pierre Gasly and Fernando Alonso, both of whom gave him no trouble at all.

With three laps to go, Nicholas Latifi 's car caused a virtual safety car, which Red Bull Racing took advantage of to bring Verstappen in. The Dutchman changed to the soft compound and set the fastest lap for an extra point.

Hamilton was immediately heard on the radio, as he too wanted to change to softs. Mercedes didn't want him to, as there was only one full lap left to go. It was just a small missed opportunity for Hamilton, who cruised to victory unharmed.