How the Qatar Grand Prix unfolded

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Lewis Hamilton took a comfortable win in the Qatar Grand Prix to close the gap to Max Verstappen in their fight for the world championship.

Verstappen fought his way to second after a five-place grid penalty and took the point for fastest lap.

The win cuts the deficit to Verstappen to eight points with two races to go in Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi next month.

Alpine's Fernando Alonso took a superb third, his first podium since the 2014 Hungarian Grand Prix.

Christian Horner summoned to stewards for alleged breach of 12.2.1 f and 12.2.1 k of international sporting code. "Any words, deeds or writings that have caused moral injury or loss to the FIA... or its executive officers, and more generally on the interest of motor sport."

Any misconduct towards: • licence-holders, • officials, • officers or member of the staff of the FIA, • members of the staff of the Organiser or promoter, • members of the staff of the Competitors.

It's Verstappen by eight points over Hamilton in the drivers' championship, but the constructors' championship is even tighter with only five points separating leaders Mercedes and Red Bull.

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Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff on Sky Sports: "It is funny because the initial feeling is bittersweet as both championships are so important now. Lewis was great - that one point [for fastest lap] is a bit annoying but it is great he won, and the good news is that the car is really fast. It seemed to be in a happy spot, he controlled the race from the front and is a good indication for what is to come in Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi.

"[The puncture for Bottas] came out of nowhere we tried to reconstruct it afterwards - knowing when it happened and looking at the data, there was no indication and there was a tiny vibration and never enough to pit the car and unfortunate for him he was the first one to pick up the puncture."

"[With Lewis] they woke up the lion in Interlagos and you see that. I have really enjoyed the ride - I have enjoyed every minute. We have got to push for maximum attack and catch up, and make some points up [at the next round.]"

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This is the drivers' championship picture. If Verstappen wins in Saudi Arabia and Lewis Hamilton doesn't finish in the top 10 then it's all over and Verstappen is the champion.

Alternatively, two wins for Hamilton in the last two races gives him an eighth title, no matter what Verstappen does.

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Ash: Previous moments where I had said I think the championship is over, may have been in haste, and wrong.

Timothy: What a drive by Sir Lewis and Max, cut above the rest. All to play for. Well done Fernando.

quixoticgeek: Next race is going to be fun, 29 corners marked on the track plan...

Ben: No matter which team you're on, this championship battle has been fantastic.

Third place finisher Fernando Alonso, who was last on the F1 podium in 2014: "It has been nearly 10 years but we have finally got it and we were close in a couple of races, but here today I thought I could be leading and I am so happy for the team.

"We planned a one stop from the beginning, but we never knew how bad the wear was going to be - the race was well executed and the pit stop was fantastic and the team was great.

"I was waiting so long for this, so I am happy."

Max Verstappen, who finished second: "Our starting position was a bit compromised but luckily we had a really good start. I got quite quickly back to second and to get the fast lap was very nice.

"It's going to be difficult to the end but that's nice, it keeps things exciting. This track is a lot of fun to drive. it's really quick.

"I feel good, it's going to be a tight battle until the end."

Race winner Lewis Hamilton: "It was pretty straightforward - it was pretty lonely at the front - of course I enjoy those races where you are battling through but we needed those points today.

"A solid job from the team with pit stops and the car, and I can't wait to watch the replay of the race to see what happened behind me.

"I'm not sure why people's tyres were going - I'm sure it's the curbs but I'm grateful for these points. It has been a hell of a year and to be at this point in the year and to have back-to-back wins is a great feeling - puts us in good place for the next two.

"I'm really happy with the car and I'm fitter than I've ever felt - bring on the next two."

Right, who wants some quotes from the top three?

• 11. Pierre Gasly (Alpha Tauri)
• 12. Daniel Ricciardo (McLaren)
• 13. Yuki Tsunoda (Alpha Tauri)
• 14. Kimi Raikkonen (Alfa Romeo)
• 15. Antonio Giovinazzi (Alfa Romeo)
• 16. Mick Schumacher (Haas)
• 17. George Russell (Williams)
• 18. Nikita Mazepin (Haas)

DNF: Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes), Nicholas Latifi (Williams).

Huge disappointment for Pierre Gasly, out of the points even though he started on the front row.

1. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
2. Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
3. Fernando Alonso (Alpine)
4. Sergio Perez (Red Bull)
5. Esteban Ocon (Alpine)
6. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin)
7. Carlos Sainz (Ferrari)
8. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
9. Lando Norris (McLaren)
10. Sebastian Vettel (Aston Martin)

I enjoyed that race - I think it has been a success with this inaugural grand prix at Qatar.

If Max Verstappen wins in two weeks' time in Saudi Arabia and Lewis Hamilton does not finish in the top 10 then the Red Bull man will become the world champion with a race to spare.

Jeremiah: What a race for Alonso! That's a dream podium.

James: Gwan Fernando!

Rachel: FERNANDOOOOOOO!!!!!!

Engineer: "Get in there you beauty!"

Engineer: "Well done Max, we will take that."

Christian Horner: "That was damage limitation - well done."

Verstappen: "That was fun."