2021 Qatar GP: Hamilton wins and Alonso first podium comeback

Max Verstappen (left), Lewis Hamilton (centre) and Fernando Alonso (right) at the 2021 Qatar GP.

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton, after a clear win at the newly introduced Qatar Grand Prix, closes the gap between himself and Red Bull's Max Verstappen while Alpine driver Fernando Alonso secured his first F1 podium in seven years.

The Losail International Circuit is the latest addition to the Formula One calendar, taking place for the first time in 2021 - and what a race it was!

After starting pole position on the Sunday, Hamilton lead the entire race and landed P1. Meanwhile, Red Bull rival Verstappen had an impressive race himself, finishing P2 after a grid penalty pushed him down to P7 for not obeying double waved yellow flags during qualifying.

Meanwhile, Fernando Alonso made his F1 comeback by securing a third place podium for the first time since the Hungarian Grand Prix in 2014 - at which time Hamilton was merely a one-time World Champion, The Alpine driver fought a ferocious battle throughout the entire race, eventually successfully defending against Red Bull's Sergio Perez later in the race. However, taking into account that Perez started P11 on the grid, his fourth place finish is still an accomplishment for himself and the team.

Fernando Alonso celebrating his first podium in 7 years at the 2021 Qatar GP.

For Hamilton's fellow Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas however, the Losail circuit didn't go as planned. Bottas received a grid penalty from P3 to P6 then later fell to eleventh during the race due to tyre problems - an issue that both Williams drivers' George Russell and Nicholas Latifi also encountered. The Mercedes driver was eventually retired from the race, failing to finish.

As this is Hamilton's second consecutive finish after his win in Brazil, he is now a mere 8 points behind rival Verstappen in the Drivers' Championship. With the next race at another newly introduced track, Jeddah, predictions are very up in the air. Jeddah has promised to be the fastest street track in F1 thus far, taking place one again at night.

With only 2 races left, it's all or nothing for both Mercedes and Red Bull.

2021 Qatar GP results: