Sharjah24 – Reuters: 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.

"It was pretty straightforward, it was pretty lonely at the front," said 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.