After grabbing his first ever pole position in Japan, Lewis Hamilton put up a scintillating display to clinch Japanese GP in Suzuka. Following this win, the Mercedes driver closes on to the fourth world title. The Briton dominated from pole, steering to a crushing eighth win of the year. Extending his F1 championship lead over Vettel to 59 points with just 100 left to play for.
A dominant Lewis Hamilton
Hamilton completed his collection of a pole position at every current Formula One circuit with a record lap in Suzuka on Saturday. Even though he had secured the top slot at Fuji in 2007, he can look forward to a new sensation.
I’ve never really had this view here.
The 32-year-old said on the starting grid after qualifying. He further added
It’s incredible for me. 10 years or whatever it is, my first pole position here. Tenth time lucky, so I’m grateful for that.
As the qualifications went by, the Briton topped it out with a lap of 1 minute 27.319 seconds securing him the first spot.
Race moments
Starting off strongly, Lewis maintained his lead throughout the 53 lap race to sail home comfortably. As a result, he amassed 306 points to top the F1 Driver’s Championship of 2017.
As Hamilton won his fourth title in Japan, Vettel’s title hope suffered a huge blow. Not only it was a nightmare start for the Ferrari driver, but now only four races remain to build up to the championship.
Japenese Grand Prix round-up
After Hamilton, the Red Bulls of Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo secured a double podium for the second successive race. Next up, Valtteri Bottas finished fourth with Kimi Raikkonen’s Ferrari taking fifth.
Hamilton after the Japanese GP win
It was the Force India duo of Esteban Ocon and Sergio Perez finishing sixth and seventh respectively. Following them were two cars of Haas driven by Kevin Magnussen and Romain Grosjean. Felipe Massa held on to Fernando Alonso’s McLaren to take 10th for Williams.