Lewis Hamilton led the Qatar Grand Prix from start to finish with Max Verstappen also soon settling into second place. The action mainly happened behind them where Alonso for instance returned to the podium after 7 years.

An hour ahead of the start of the Qatar Grand Prix, the FIA announced that both Max Verstappen and Valtteri Bottas were penalised for ignoring yellow flags during Saturday's qualifying session.

Despite the constant performance from the tyres in Friday’s second practice session, Formula One’s sole tyre supplier Pirelli thinks that drivers should approach today’s inaugural Qatar Grand Prix with a two-stop strategy.

Lewis Hamilton secured his first pole position since the Hungarian Grand Prix in what was another Mercedes-dominated qualifying session. Championship leader Max Verstappen finished second, edging Valtteri Bottas.