Hamilton takes Suzuka victory, extending title lead as Vettel retires - Red Bull earn double podium finish too
Published by Christine
Lewis Hamilton won the Japanese Grand Prix but it wasn't an easy victory for the Mercedes driver, as he was chased to the line by Max Verstappen, with Daniel Ricciardo making it a double podium finish for Red Bull. Verstappen crossed the line just one second behind the race winner after a close battle to the finish, but Hamilton would have been happy it was a Red Bull following him and not a Ferrari.
Sebastian Vettel, hoping to recover some of the damage done to his title challenge in the last few races, suffered yet more troubles and retired from the race early on. He now trails Hamilton by 59 points with four races still to go.
Elsewhere, Sainz spun out on the opening lap, Ericsson spun into the barriers, and Stroll's car broke towards the end, all of these bringing out safety cars - virtual or otherwise. Haas and Force India had better luck, bringing home double points finishes each.
