Lewis Hamilton won the Japanese Grand prix, while his main title rival Sebastian Vettel retired early in the race due to a spark plug problem. Second and third at the Suzuka circuit were the Red Bull drivers Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo.
Hamilton led from the start and practically controlled the pace until the chequered flag. He had a scare in the last couple of laps when Verstappen was right behind him but managed to get safely to the finish.
Behind the English Mercedes driver, Verstappen took second place already on the first lap. His teammate had to battle with a couple of other drivers to win his first Suzuka podium.
There were some incidents during the 53-lap race. Carlos Sainz crashed right after the start in his last Grand prix with Toro Rosso. The Spaniard apologized to the team, saying that he had to try something but it simply did not work out. A safety car appeared on the track, while the marshals moved the car to a safe place.
Later Nico Hulkenberg’s DRS got stuck in open position. The Renault driver retired the car in the pits, obviously angry with what happened.
Then Lance Stroll went off the circuit, presumably because of a technical failure in his Williams.
The Force India drivers Esteban Ocon and Sergio Perez had another moment on the track. In the latter stages of the race, Perez asked if he could try to pass hi teammate. The answer from the pitwall was negative – he was told to hold position. The Mexican said that Ocon needed to pick up the pace as he was too slow but obeyed the instruction. They finished sixth and seventh – behind Hamilton, Verstappen, Ricciardo, Bottas and Kimi Raikkonen.
Lewis Hamilton won the Japanese Grand prix, while his main title rival Sebastian Vettel retired early in the race
SOUND ON ?
“Get in there, Lewis boy”
That winning moment for @LewisHamilton at the #JapaneseGP ?? pic.twitter.com/asay26NiWu
— Formula 1 (@F1) October 8, 2017
8th win of 2017
21st consecutive points finish (his longest streak)
59 pts ahead in title race
Great day for @LewisHamilton #JapaneseGP pic.twitter.com/RXX9Wx04z9
— Formula 1 (@F1) October 8, 2017
INITIAL CLASSIFICATION: Huge day for @LewisHamilton in the 2017 title race – he’s now 59 points ahead of Sebastian Vettel #JapaneseGP ?? pic.twitter.com/evU0XWRZu8
— Formula 1 (@F1) October 8, 2017
