BOTTAS WINS IN SUZUKA

Valtteri Bottas wins the Japanese Grand Prix – Photo: Suttons

Valtteri Bottas won the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka sealing the manufacturers’ championship Mercedes.

Starting off the second row, Bottas launched past the two Ferraris who failed to make the most of their front-row lockout in the mornings qualifying session. The Finn was able to maintain the lead for the duration to take the win, his third for the season.

After starting from pole, Charles Leclerc botched up his start dropping back to fourth before colliding the Red Bull of Max Verstappen through Turn 2.

The resulting damage put the Dutchman out of the race while the Ferrari driver was penalised for both his involvement in the incident and failing to stop to complete repairs to his front wing which resulted in debris flying into Lewis Hamilton’s car a couple of laps later. Leclerc then put on a passing clinic charging his way back up to sixth.

Valtteri Bottas launched to the lead from the start – Photo: Suttons

Out in front, the leaders opted for the three-stop strategy with Bottas taking the win over Sebastian Vettel in second. Hamilton completed the podium.

Red Bulls Alex Albon achieved his best result in F1 with a fourth place ahead of Carlos Sainz (McLaren) and Leclerc.

Australian Daniel Ricciardo finished in seventh for Renault with Pierre Gasly (Toro Rosso), Sergio Perez (Racing Point) and Nico Hulkenberg (Renault) completing the top ten despite Perez crashing out on the final lap. 

Confusion with the chequered flag light panel saw the results for the race rolled back to the previous lap.

Formula 1 now heads to North America for the Mexican Grand Prix and United State Grand Prix back to back rounds.

For more of the latest Formula 1 news pick up the current issue of Auto Action. Also make sure you follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or our weekly email newsletter for all the latest updates between issues.