Max Verstappen has restored control of the Formula 1 title race with victory at the Japanese Grand Prix.
Although the Dutchman was heading into just the fourth race of the season, his surprise retirement in Australia last month meant that he had work to do in order to re-establish a sizeable lead at the top of the Drivers' standings.
The Red Bull driver was able to deliver that aim, leading from start to finish even when an early crash between Daniel Riccardo and Alex Albion brought about an early red flag.
A 20-minute delay did not hinder Verstappen and he was ultimately able to seal victory with a 12.535-second advantage over teammate Sergio Perez.
Unlike in qualifying, the McLarens could not get the better of the Ferraris, Carlos Sainz Jr sealing the final podium spot ahead of teammate Charles Leclerc, who had started eighth on the grid.
Lando Norris had to make do with fifth, with McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri down in eighth, while the Aston Martin and Mercedes of Fernando Alonso and George Russell were sixth and seventh respectively.
In another disappointing race for Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time world champion was ninth, with RB's Yuki Tsunoda completing the points scorers as each of the top 10 on the grid remained ahead of the chasing pack.
With regards to the Championship standings, Verstappen holds a 13-point lead over Perez, with Leclerc a further five points adrift and four points ahead of Sainz Jr.
The rest of the field, headed by Norris, are at least 18 points behind the top four. body check tags ::
