Max Verstappen wins chaotic Qatar Grand Prix as Lewis Hamilton struggles again

Hamilton finished 12th in his penultimate Mercedes appearance.

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen claimed victory in Qatar. Picture: Darko Bandic/AP

Max Verstappen followed up securing his fourth world championship by winning a chaotic Qatar Grand Prix as Lewis Hamilton suffered another miserable evening in his penultimate Mercedes appearance.

Seven-time world champion Hamilton was penalised twice by the stewards and said his car was “broken” as he finished down in 12th spot in a race which saw Verstappen claim a dominant win.

The Dutchman was stripped of pole position in the early hours of Sunday morning after he impeded George Russell in qualifying.

But Verstappen made amends for the sanction by blasting clear of pole-sitter Russell at the opening bend before leading every lap en route to victory.

“I am very happy,” said Verstappen after taking his first win in the dry since the Spanish Grand Prix on June 23. “It has been a while in the dry to be this competitive. I am very proud of the team to have turned it around.”