Max Verstappen handed five-place grid penalty at Qatar Grand Prix

Reigning champion Lewis Hamilton has a chance to close the 14-point gap to Verstappen in the drivers’ championship with the Dutchman starting seventh at the Losail International Circuit

Max Verstappen will start seventh at the Qatar Grand Prix following a five-place grid penalty. (Hamad I Mohammed/AP)

Max Verstappen’s title charge took a blow as the Formula One championship leader was hit with a five-place grid penalty at the Qatar Grand Prix after ignoring yellow flags during Saturday’s qualifying session.

The Red Bull driver was set to start second on the grid alongside title-rival Lewis Hamilton, who stormed to the 102nd pole position of his career to gain the upper-hand for Mercedes in Doha.