Qatar Grand Prix highlights: Lewis Hamilton crashes into George Russell as Verstappen wins
Lewis Hamilton crashed out of the Qatar Grand Prix on lap one after tangling with George Russell.
Max Verstappen wins third consecutive Formula One world championship
Max Verstappen cruised to a simple victory at the Qatar Grand Prix after Lewis Hamilton and George Russell collided on the opening lap. The Mercedes duo saw their hopes of winning go up in smoke after just a few moments, allowing Verstappen to drive off into the sunset before taking the chequered flag.
Hamilton and Russell initially started well and were quicker than Verstappen off the mark before a crucial miscalculation saw them crash into each other as they battled for position. It left Hamilton out of the race after suffering damage and skidding into the gravel trap, while Russell carried on but was forced to slice his way through the field after slipping down the order.
Oscar Piastri ended up coming home in second place, with Lando Norris crossing the line in third to complete an impressive double podium for McLaren. The Woking squad have looked incredibly quick in recent weeks and will certainly have high hopes of being the team to challenge Red Bull next season if they can maintain their upward trajectory.
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KEY EVENTS
Goodbye
That's all we've got time for this evening.
Thanks for joining us to follow what was an eventful Qatar Grand Prix, with Max Verstappen winning after Lewis Hamilton's first-lap collision with George Russell.
There's no race next weekend but we'll be back for the United States Grand Prix when F1 returns to Texas in a fortnight's time.
In the meantime, you can catch up on all the best reaction from today's race on Express Sport tonight.
Catch you then!
Hamilton summoned by stewards
Lewis Hamilton is due to appear in the stewards' room shortly after walking across the track following his early retirement.
It remains to be seen whether any penalties will be handed down to the 38-year-old as a result.
New document: Summons - Car 44 - Crossing the track
\u2014 FIA F1 Documents Bot (@fiadocsbot) October 8, 2023
Published on 08-10-2023 20:59 CEThttps://t.co/6xi8IH1XLd#F1 #Formula1 #FIA #QatarGP \ud83c\uddf6\ud83c\udde6 pic.twitter.com/RwB7dXdr1e
Milestone for McLaren
Congratulations to McLaren, who have secured their 500th and 501st podiums in F1 this evening.
5\ufe0f\u20e30\ufe0f\u20e30\ufe0f\u20e3 (and 501 \ud83d\ude09)!!!
\u2014 McLaren (@McLarenF1) October 8, 2023
Proud of each and every one of them. \ud83c\udf7e\ud83e\udde1 pic.twitter.com/5Td0RIErsL
Drivers feeling the heat
Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen certainly look knackered after 57 long, hard laps of racing in Qatar...
It's not called the cooldown room for nothing! \ud83d\ude05#F1 #QatarGP pic.twitter.com/uCIjsfFgYV
\u2014 Formula 1 (@F1) October 8, 2023
Verstappen on 'tough' win
"I think what made the race was my first stint," says Max Verstappen after his latest Grand Prix victory.
"After that I could just manage my pace and make sure the tyres were always in a good window.
"The McLarens were quick again today. It was definitely a tough race out there, it was one of the toughest races I've done. Top five probably."
Piastri: My hardest race
"Very happy, Turn One was nice, that was definitely the game plan before the race," adds Oscar Piastri after coming home in second place.
"Really impressive pace. Definitely the hardest race I've had in my life."
The drivers speak
"Just a mega race from start to finish," says third-placed Lando Norris in his interview with David Coulthard.
"A good opening lap. I learned from my mistake yesterday of going wide. A good start, good pace throughout the whole thing.
"Probably the best pace out there today. I'm happy. Stressful, hot, sweaty, little bit tired.
"Great job from the team. Three [podiums] in a row now. 1.8-second pit stop as well by the boys!"
Full results
Here's a look at the race classification after 57 laps in Qatar, although Sergio Perez drops one position to 10th after picking up a third penalty for track limits.
RACE CLASSIFICATION (LAP 57/57)
\u2014 Formula 1 (@F1) October 8, 2023
Majestic from the three-time world champ #F1 #QatarGP pic.twitter.com/XlTNyGFpXx
Third penalty for Perez
Sergio Perez has been given yet ANOTHER penalty for exceeding track limits.
It means he drops to 10th in the finishing order.
VERSTAPPEN WINS!
It's another routine victory for Max Verstappen, who takes the chequered flag to register his 14th win of the season.
Oscar Piastri comes home in second place, with Lando Norris crossing the line in third to secure a double podium for McLaren.
George Russell, meanwhile, finishes fourth to cap off an excellent recovery drive after his early collision with Lewis Hamilton.
MAX VERSTAPPEN WINS IN QATAR!!!
\u2014 Formula 1 (@F1) October 8, 2023
An incredible 14th win of the season \ud83d\udcaa
Piastri finishes P2, Norris P3 \ud83d\ude4c#F1 #QatarGP pic.twitter.com/zcTrZME2ru
Stroll picks up penalty
Lance Stroll is the next driver to be given a time penalty for exceeding track limits on too many occasions, which will drop him out of the points-paying positions.
Two laps to go...
Hamilton issues apology
Lewis Hamilton has taken to X, formerly Twitter, to apologise to George Russell for crashing into him on the very first lap.
I\u2019ve watched the replay and it was 100% my fault and I take full responsibility. Apologies to my team and to George.
\u2014 Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) October 8, 2023
Verstappen makes last stop
Max Verstappen pits for his final stop of the race and keeps his lead as he emerges back onto the circuit.
It's almost certainly going to be another win for the Dutchman unless a miracle happens in the next few minutes.
Russell finally pits
George Russell makes his final pit stop of the evening and rejoins the action in fourth place.
He is now running soft tyres and will be looking to push as he chases Lando Norris, who will be the final podium finisher as things stand.
However, Russell needs to make up around 17 seconds in just five laps, which might just be a step too far.
Perez lapped by Verstappen
Sergio Perez's race goes from bad to worse as he is lapped by Red Bull team-mate Max Verstappen.
It's been yet another evening to forget for the Mexican driver, who is running all the way down in 12th place.
Ten laps to go
Here's a look at the current top 10 as we enter the closing stages in Qatar...
1. Max Verstappen
2. George Russell
3. Oscar Piastri
4. Lando Norris
5. Charles Leclerc
6. Zhou Guanyu
7. Fernando Alonso
8. Esteban Ocon
9. Valtteri Bottas
10. Lance Stroll
Norris loses place to Piastri
Lando Norris is called into the pits for new boots and comes back out just behind Oscar Piastri.
The two McLaren drivers are now running in third and fourth but have fresher tyres than George Russell, who still needs to make another pit stop before the end of this race.
More drivers handed penalties
Lance Stroll and Pierre Gasly are the next drivers to be given five-second penalties for taking liberties with track limits.
Oscar Piastri, meanwhile, pits for new tyres and comes back out in fourth place.
It allows George Russell to move into third, with the Mercedes ace chasing a podium finish after his first-lap collision with Lewis Hamilton.
Sargeant retires
Logan Sargeant has been feeling unwell throughout the race and is finally called into the pits to retire.
The American driver was running in last place.
LAP 42/57
\u2014 Formula 1 (@F1) October 8, 2023
A tough race for Sargeant ends \u274c
The American reluctantly retires - he's not feeling well
Hope you feel better soon, Logan #F1 #QatarGP pic.twitter.com/jvs4dqQB7j
Perez gets another penalty
Sergio Perez falls foul of the stewards once again for exceeding track limits on a regular basis.
The Mexican driver is handed another five-second penalty, which he will serve at his next pit stop.
McLaren looking strong
McLaren will have high hopes of getting both drivers on the podium tonight, with Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris running well as things stand.
Neither driver has much hope of catching Max Verstappen but a significant points haul for the Woking squad could well be on the cards.
Verstappen stops for new tyres
Max Verstappen dives into the pits for a set of new hard tyres and stays ahead of Oscar Piastri on exit.
The Dutchman is currently over six seconds clear of his McLaren rival and looks firmly on course to secure yet another Grand Prix victory this evening.
Alonso into the gravel
Fernando Alonso loses grip and takes a trip into the gravel before finding his way back onto the circuit.
He drops to seventh in the process and will have a tough job to secure a top-three finish from here.
Perez into the pits
Sergio Perez stops for a new set of boots and serves his five-second penalty in the process.
He rejoins the circuit in 12th place but is on medium tyres, with the majority of drivers around him running hards.
Position update
Here's a look at the current order on lap 30 of 57...
1.Verstappen 2. Russell 3. Perez 4. Piastri 5. Albon 6. Zhou 7. Norris 8. Alonso 9. Bottas 10. Stroll 11. Leclerc 12. Ocon 13. Gasly 14. Magnussen 15. Tsunoda 16. Lawson 17. Hulkenberg 18. Sargeant
OUT - Hamilton, Sainz
Alonso feeling the heat
Fernando Alonso complains that his seat is getting too hot in the cockpit and asks his pit crew to throw some water over him.
They decide against it, though, leaving the Spaniard to cope with the issue on his own.
LAP 27/57
\u2014 Formula 1 (@F1) October 8, 2023
\ud83d\udcfb "The seat is burning, mate. Anything we can do at the pit stop? Throw me water or something!" \ud83d\ude2e
Alonso, who comes back out in P8, is literally in the hot seat! \ud83d\udd25#F1 #QatarGP pic.twitter.com/VmgV0MYDgI
Perez gets penalty
Sergio Perez is handed a five-second penalty for exceeding track limits on too many occasions.
The Mexican driver is currently running in fourth but will need to contend with a lengthy pit stop when he next goes into the box.
More pit stops
Oscar Piastri is called into the pit lane for his second pit stop of the day.
Charles Leclerc and Esteban Ocon quickly follow suit.
Track limits causing issues
A number of drivers are struggling to stay within the white lines at the edge of the circuit.
Liam Lawson, Sergio Perez and Alex Albon have all been shown the black-and-white flag since the five red lights went out at the start of the race.
Russell rounds Gasly
George Russell holds the outside line to get past Pierre Gasly and move into seventh place.
Every driver on track has now pitted at least once.
Max Verstappen still leads, with Oscar Piastri just under eight seconds adrift of the Red Bull ace.
Fernando Alonso is currently running in third ahead of Lando Norris, Charles Leclerc and Esteban Ocon.
Hamilton 'immensely gutted'
"I just feel really sorry for the team," says Lewis Hamilton on Sky Sports F1 after his early retirement.
"We had an opportunity to get some good points today. In the heat of the moment, I didn't understand what happened.
"I felt a tap on behind and I guess George didn't really have anywhere to go. I'm happy to take responsibility, it's just one of those unfortunate situations.
"Everyone's working incredibly hard so it's immensely gutting to have a result like this. It's very rare that this happens."
Norris gets Leclerc
Lando Norris is looking quick today.
The McLaren ace finds a way past Charles Leclerc to get himself up into sixth place.
Alex Albon, meanwhile, dives into the pits which allows Max Verstappen to regain the race lead.
Verstappen and Perez into the pits
Max Verstappen finally pits and loses his lead to Alex Albon, who is yet to stop.
Further down the order, Oscar Piastri pulls off a fine move on Valtteri Bottas at Turn One and is now running in fourth place.
Four drivers yet to pit
The current top four of Max Verstappen, Alex Albon, Sergio Perez and Zhou Guanyu are yet to pit but will almost certainly be coming in shortly.
Quick stop for Russell
George Russell is fitted with a new set of medium tyres and it's a pretty quick stop from his Mercedes pit crew.
He rejoins the race in 15th position and will be looking to slice through some traffic over the coming laps.
Norris follows suit
Lando Norris is the next driver to pit and comes back out in 13th place.
The running order is fairly jumbled up at the moment, with pit stops being made after every lap.
Two pit-stops in as many laps.
\u2014 McLaren (@McLarenF1) October 8, 2023
Lando and Oscar both pit for another set of Mediums.
PIA \ud83c\udde6\ud83c\uddfa P7
NOR \ud83c\uddec\ud83c\udde7 P12#QatarGP \ud83c\uddf6\ud83c\udde6 [Lap 15/57] pic.twitter.com/rzB6o1w0oe
More drivers pit
Oscar Piastri and Charles Leclerc respond to Fernando Alonso by making their first pit stops of the evening.
It allows Lando Norris to move up into second place but the McLaren driver is over nine seconds behind Max Verstappen, who still leads.
Alonso into the pits
Fernando Alonso dives into the pit lane for a new set of medium tyres at the end of lap 12.
He rejoins the action in 15th place and will be hoping to make the undercut work in his quest for a podium finish.
Hulkenberg given time penalty
Nico Hulkenberg has been given a 10-second time penalty for a starting procedure infringement.
Replays show the German inadvertently lined up in the vacant grid spot left by Carlos Sainz, who did not start after suffering a fuel system issue.
Zhou next up for Russell
George Russell pulls off a routine move on Zhou Guanyu and is now running in 12th place.
At the front, Max Verstappen still leads with Oscar Piastri just over two seconds adrift of the Red Bull man.
Charles Leclerc is starting to close up to Fernando Alonso, who remains third for now but appears to be lacking pace.
Russell gets past Perez
George Russell pulls off a smart move on Sergio Perez to get himself up into 13th position.
The Mercedes ace will be looking to salvage some points by climbing as high up the order as possible before the chequered flag.
Hamilton under investigation
Lewis Hamilton is under investigation for apparently walking across the track on his way back to the pit lane.
Meanwhile, the incident between the two Mercedes drivers will be investigated after the race.
Green flags
Max Verstappen speeds away as the safety car peels back into the pit lane.
He is now followed by Oscar Piastri, with Fernando Alonso in third and Charles Leclerc fourth.
George Russell is all the way down in 14th after his first-lap collision with Lewis Hamilton, who is out.
Some drivers pitted during the safety car period including the likes of Valtteri Bottas, Kevin Magnussen and Lance Stroll.
LAP 4/57
\u2014 Formula 1 (@F1) October 8, 2023
Safety Car in \u2b05\ufe0f
We are racing again! \ud83d\ude4c#F1 #QatarGP pic.twitter.com/lSt0ScWxdG
Safety car - Hamilton out
Lewis Hamilton is beached in the gravel and will take no further part in this race.
The safety car is promptly called out to allow the debris to be cleared from the circuit.
George Russell, meanwhile, is still going but may have suffered damage.
Replays show that Hamilton failed to leave his Mercedes team-mate enough room into Turn One as they battled Max Verstappen for the lead.
LIGHTS OUT! Mercedes duo collide
George Russell and Lewis Hamilton take each other out at Turn One!
It's a nightmare start for Mercedes after just a few moments, with the Silver Arrows having already seen their hopes of victory go up in smoke.
Here we go
The vast majority of the grid are on medium tyres, although Lewis Hamilton is one of several drivers to have gambled with the softs.
The formation lap is now in progress and we're just moments away from the start of the Qatar Grand Prix.
Don't go anywhere!
Starting grid
Here's a look at today's final starting grid, with the formation lap coming up in just 10 minutes...
REVISED STARTING GRID
\u2014 Formula 1 (@F1) October 8, 2023
Carlos Sainz will NOT start the race due to a fuel system issue on his car, and it's a pit lane start for Sergio Perez \ud83d\udc40 #F1 #QatarGP pic.twitter.com/C1YU7HqnWF
Norris on tyre restrictions
Lando Norris has suggested that McLaren will be left at a disadvantage as a result of the mandatory tyre restrictions in place for safety reasons today.
"For some people, like Max he has the best tyres on the grid by a long way, we have this rule now so late in the weekend, already when we used the tyres when we had no idea we would need all the tyres," says Norris on Sky Sports F1.
"Through no fault of our own we are at a bit more of a disadvantage but it's the way it is. We have to do what we can with it."
Russell plays down victory hopes
George Russell says that he and Lewis Hamilton will be fighting Charles Leclerc, not Max Verstappen, over the course of today's race.
"We are going to try and make a good start, hopefully Lewis and I can stay P2 and P3," he tells Sky Sports F1.
"Our fight is with Ferrari. We have got a good opportunity to get some really good points."
What happened in qualifying?
Max Verstappen managed to claim pole position in qualifying on Friday, with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri coming home in second and third respectively.
However, both McLaren drivers saw their best lap times deleted for exceeding track limits and were replaced in the top three by George Russell and Lewis Hamilton.
Sergio Perez endured another tough session as he was knocked out in Q2 yet again to increase the growing pressure on his shoulders.
Carlos Sainz also failed to make the top ten in a poor showing from the Spaniard, although Charles Leclerc will be hoping to lead Ferrari's podium charge today from fifth on the grid.
Catch up on the full story from qualifying HERE.
Mandatory tyre limits
The FIA have said that all drivers must not exceed 18 laps on a set of tyres or risk being disqualified from today's race.
It means that every driver on the grid will need to make three pit stops in order to avoid being black-flagged.
Tyre degradation has been a hot topic over the course of the weekend, with Pirelli having raised concerns about potential safety issues before yesterday's sprint.
They found a microscopic separation in the sidewall between the topping compound and the carcass cords after FP1 on Friday, with the raised kerbs in Qatar causing a greater impact than usual.
\u2139\ufe0f There's a limit on the number of laps allowed on a single set of tyres during today's #QatarGP \ud83c\uddf6\ud83c\udde6
\u2014 Pirelli Motorsport (@pirellisport) October 8, 2023
Here's how many laps drivers have remaining on their used sets of tyres pre-race \ud83d\udc47 #Fit4F1 pic.twitter.com/eVAvejJcHA
Perez starts from pit lane
Sergio Perez is set to start from the pit lane after Red Bull were found to have assembled too much of his spare chassis overnight.
The Mexican driver's car was damaged beyond repair when he crashed out of yesterday's sprint.
Sainz out with mechanical issue
Carlos Sainz will not start today's race due to a fuel system issue on his Ferrari car.
The Spaniard was due to start from 12th on the grid but will instead be watching the action from the pit lane.
BREAKING: Carlos Sainz will not take part in the Qatar Grand Prix due to a fuel system issue on his car#QatarGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/YEwAPIgRFc
\u2014 Formula 1 (@F1) October 8, 2023
Welcome!
Hello and welcome to Express Sport's live coverage of the Qatar Grand Prix, with Max Verstappen set to line up on pole position.
The Dutchman wrapped up his third Drivers' Championship title yesterday but will be looking to make it a perfect weekend by taking victory at the end of today's 57-lap contest.
He will be closely followed off the line by George Russell and Lewis Hamilton, with Mercedes hoping to put a dampener on Red Bull's title celebrations.
We'll be keeping you updated with the action as it happens at the Lusail International Circuit. Who will come out on top?