Qatar set to host first F1 GP while title race heads up in thrilling 2021 season

By Muhammed Enes Calli

ANKARA (AA) - F1 will host its first race in Qatar while Lewis Hamilton looks to reduce the gap with Max Verstappen in a thrilling 2021 season.

Seeking for his first title, Red Bull’s driver Verstappen holds a 14-point lead over Mercedes’ Hamilton by collecting 332.5 points.

Ahead of the 71-lap race in Qatar, seven-time world champion Hamilton has the momentum after he won the Sao Paulo Grand Prix with an incredible performance last weekend.

Following a dramatic win in Brazil, Hamilton secured his sixth win of the season to keep his title hopes alive.

Round 20 of the F1 World Championship will take place at the 5.380-km (3.343-mi) Losail International Circuit in Doha.

Verstappen has nine victories and Hamilton won six as Esteban Ocon of Alpine, Sergio Perez of Red Bull Racing, Daniel Ricciardo of McLaren, and Valtteri Bottas of Mercedes each sealed one with three races left this season.

The race will be held at 1400GMT on Sunday.

Following the Qatar GP, the teams will respectively visit Saudi Arabia and UAE to end the season in December.

Driver standings

1. Max Verstappen (Netherlands): 332.5 points

2. Lewis Hamilton (Great Britain): 318.5

3. Valtteri Bottas (Finland): 203

4. Sergio Perez (Mexico): 178

5. Lando Norris (Great Britain): 151

Constructor standings:

1. Mercedes: 521.5 points

2. Red Bull: 510.5

3. Ferrari: 287.5

4. McLaren: 256

5. Alpine Renault: 112