Read how Mail Sport's live blog covered the Qatar Grand Prix, as Max Verstappen took to the grid for his first race as a three-time world champion after the Dutchman clinched the title in yesterday's sprint.

By SAMUEL DRAPER FOR MAILONLINE
Updated: 15:17 EDT, 8 October 2023
Read how Mail Sport's live blog covered the Qatar Grand Prix, as Max Verstappen took to the grid for his first race as a three-time world champion after the Dutchman clinched the title in yesterday's sprint race.
Thank you for following this evening's live blog. Max Verstappen won, again, and a good weekend for McLaren all things considered. But most of the discussion will be about the opening corner, and that collision between Hamilton and Russell.
Keep an eye across the Mail Sport website for the latest fallout from today's action, and I'll catch you next time. Enjoy the rest of your Sunday. Bye.
There's now two weeks until the next F1 race, which is at the Circuit of the Americas in Texas. Lots for many of the drivers and teams to contemplate going into the final weeks of the season. While nobody can catch Verstappen or Red Bull, there's lots to play for further down the pack, and teams will be looking ahead to 2024 as well.
Who else could it be on a weekend like this?
1 - Verstappen
2 - Piastri
3 - Norris
4 - Russell
5 - Leclerc
6 - Alonso
7 - Ocon
8 - Bottas
9 - Perez
10 - Zhou
Max Verstappen. An additional point for the world champion.
He started in the pit lane, and was hit by two penalties for exceeding track limits.
What would have happened if he wasn't taken off by Hamilton on that first corner? We'll never know, but for changing the system so early on, fourth is a very creditable showing by Russell and Mercedes.
Oscar Piastri was first in the Sprint, and second tonight.
His McLaren teammate Norris is third.
If he goes off the track one more time, he'll get a penalty. He's currently 4th.
Gasly has a penalty for exceeding track limits. He's currently 10th.
Key Updates
Jonathan McEvoy's race report from Qatar
The fastest lap goes to...
MAX VERSTAPPEN WINS THE QATAR GP
Lap 41: Logan Sargeant retires
Lap 33: Alonso goes off the track!
This is the moment Hamilton's race was over
Lap 7: Hulkenberg has a 10-second penalty
Lap 1: Lewis Hamilton out on lap 1 for the sixth time in his career
Lap 1: The two Mercedes take each other out!
Sergio Perez starts from the pit-lane
BREAKING: Carlos Sainz is out because of a fuel system issue
Hello and welcome to the Qatar Grand Prix