Lewis Hamilton relishes ‘beautiful’ last lap after taking pole position in Qatar

The reigning champion is currently 14 points behind Verstappen in the drivers’ championship but won in Brazil last weekend and had the beating of the Red Bull around the Lusail International Circuit

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton in action during qualifying (Darko Bandic/AP)

Lewis Hamilton took a commanding pole position at the first ever Qatar Grand Prix after working long into the night to get the upper hand in his quest to get the better of Max Verstappen and lift an eighth Formula One world title.

The reigning champion is currently 14 points behind the Dutchman in the drivers’ championship but won in Brazil last weekend and had the beating of the Red Bull around the Lusail International Circuit.