Lessons from the Qatar Grand Prix

Formula 1 is heading for a gripping finale.

Lewis Hamilton wins in Qatar.

Max Verstappen comes under pressure.

And there are only two races left until the new world champion's freestyle.

Doha - Max Verstappen's lead in the Formula 1 overall standings has shrunk to eight points.

Defending champion Lewis Hamilton lurks after his sovereign victory in the desert state of Qatar before the final two races of the season.

After a week's break, things could get more dramatic in Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi than they have been in a long time.

The two stars of the scene are ready for a fight to the last meter.

In top form on time:

Lewis Hamilton can go into the season finale full of self-confidence.

Two wins in a row come at just the right time.

After his mad ride in Brazil, success in Qatar was never in jeopardy.

Hamilton controlled the top as in the best of times thanks to the perfectly coordinated car.

“I'm very positive about the next races.

They should suit our car, ”said the 36-year-old Brit happily.

If he still overtakes Verstappen, he would be the sole record world champion with eight titles and would have trumped Michael Schumacher.

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Because of a penalty transfer, he has to roll up the field from behind in eleventh place.

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Bottas with pole position, Hamilton starts from eleventh place

Mexico GP: Verstappen and Hamilton chase the sombrero

The air is getting thinner.

Lewis Hamilton wants to maintain his World Cup chances at the height of Mexico City.

The course is, however, Formula 1 front runners Max Verstappen and Red Bull.

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This is what you have to watch out for at the Turkish Grand Prix

Max Verstappen starts nine places in Turkey ahead of World Cup leader Lewis Hamilton.

However, the Dutch Red Bull driver did not sound particularly confident about the Formula 1 race in Istanbul.

This is what you have to watch out for at the Turkish Grand Prix

Suddenly back again:

Max Verstappen lacked the speed to keep up with the Super Mercedes from Hamilton. Even without a starting place penalty, it would hardly have been possible for the 24-year-old from the Netherlands in the emirate to be at eye level with the defending champion for a long time. While Mercedes continuously improved the car, this time Red Bull failed to create a perfect set-up for the car and weakened. "We want to come back stronger in Saudi Arabia and then see what is still possible in Abu Dhabi," said Verstappen.

The old master can still do it:

Fernando Alonso had to wait seven years before he could finally return to the podium.

The former world champion (2005 and 2006) was downright euphoric after his third place in the racing car of the French Alpine team near Doha.

"I had secretly set myself the goal of coming back as the leader from the first lap thanks to the soft tires," said the Spaniard with a grin.

The 40-year-old from third place didn't manage that, but in the end he was finally able to celebrate again.

“I'm so happy for the whole team,” he said.

dpa