Lewis Hamilton wins Qatar Grand Prix to close gap on Max Verstappen
The IndependentSign up to our free sport newsletter for all the latest news on everything from cycling to boxing Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Lewis Hamilton closed the gap at the top of Formula One’s drivers’ standings with a lights-to-flag victory at Sunday’s Qatar Grand Prix. Sporting a rainbow helmet in support of the LBGTQ+ community, a gesture criticised by the 2022 Qatar World Cup chief executive, the Mercedes driver cantered to a win to move within eight points of Max Verstappen – who came home second, over 25 seconds adrift. Hamilton would have been hoping for Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas to act as a rear-gunner having started one place ahead of Verstappen following his own three-place grid penalty for ignoring single-waved yellows. “It has been a hell of a year so to be at the end of the year and have back-to-back wins a is a great feeling and puts us in good stead.” The victory never looked in doubt for Hamilton, who crossed the line to take the chequered flag, moving to within eight points of Verstappen, who set the fastest lap of the race.