Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton won the inaugural Qatar Grand Prix for Mercedes on Sunday, eight points ahead of Max Verstappen's overall Formula One eight-point lead.
Red Bull's Verstappen was second after starting seventh after a five-place grid drop for failing to honor the warning flag in Saturday's qualifying round, but took a bonus point for the fastest lap.
Double world champion Fernando Alonso was third for the Renault-owned Alpine, the 40-year-old Spaniard's first podium finish since 2014.
"It was quite straight, it was quite lonely in front," said Hamilton, who led from pole position and was never challenged in the 57 laps of the Floodlight Night Race.
"Of course, I enjoy the races where you're fighting, but we needed those points today, so I think it's really hard work for the team ... to bring the next two."
Hamilton's seventh win in 20 races this season and his 102nd career record also continued the record for the first win in the new circuit on the calendar.
Worstapen, who have won nine this year, performed another difficult part of the losing streak as the Red Bulls outscored the Mercedes 11 by five points.
"Of course, our starting position was somewhat compromised but fortunately we got off to a really good start," said Verstappen, who finished fourth at the end of the opening lap and soon rose to second.
"I know it's going to be tough in the end but it keeps it exciting. In the end it's going to be a tough fight."
If Hamilton fails to score, the 24-year-old Dutch could win the championship in the next round in Saudi Arabia.
Mexican Sergio Perez was fourth for the Red Bulls and Frenchman Esteban Oken Alpine was fifth, who stunned the singles in an attempt to stop abruptly.
Lance Stroll took sixth place for Aston Martin before the Ferrari pairing of Carlos Sange and Charles Leclerc. Norris McLaren Lando ninth and Sebastian Vettel tenth for Aston Martin.
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