LEWIS HAMILTON kept his hopes of an eighth world championship title alive with a thrilling victory in a dramatic and at times chaotic Saudi Arabian Grand Prix on Sunday. The result left the seven-time champion level on 369.5 points with title rival Max Verstappen ahead of the final race in Abu Dhabi next weekend. Hamilton was behind Verstappen for much of the 50-lap race, which was stopped twice because of crashes and interrupted numerous times by the safety car and virtual safety car. But Hamilton, nursing a damaged front wing caused by a collision with Verstappen, came through late, to claim his eighth win of the season and the 103rd of his career. The title will be settled in Abu Dhabi, although if neither finishes in the points it will be Verstappen, who has nine victories, who will take the title. “I have been racing a long time but that was incredibly tough,” said Hamilton who gained an extra point for the fastest lap. Verstappen finished second, 11.825 seconds behind in spite of being given a five-second penalty after colliding with the Mercedes star. He was later sanctioned by 10 seconds by the stewards although that did not impact his finishing position. “Just trying to race and this sport is more about penalties than racing,” said Verstappen. “For me this is not Formula 1, but at least the fans enjoyed it and I gave it all today, but clearly not quick enough.” Hamilton’s teammate Valtteri Bottas pipped Alpine’s Esteban Ocon on the line for third place to give Mercedes a 28-point lead in the constructors’ championship. For once Mercedes made the perfect start. Having locked out the front row, they succeeded in holding Verstappen at bay. The safety car made its first appearance on lap 10 when Mick Schumacher spun on Turn 22 and slammed his Haas into the wall. (SD-Agencies) | 