Glory for Bottas as Mercedes wins title

VALTTERI Bottas has won the Japanese Grand Prix as Mercedes wrapped up a sixth-consecutive Formula One constructors’ championship.

Bottas took the checkered flag at Suzuka ahead of Sebastian Vettel in a Ferrari and Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamilton, who can capture his sixth world championship title in two weeks at the Mexican GP. Ferrari had taken a onetwo in the day’s earlier qualifying — put back to Sunday as a result of Typhoon Hagibis — but the Italian team’s race was compromised within seconds of the start.

Bottas was able to jump both Ferraris from third on the grid to take the lead, and went on to win his third race this season and the sixth of his F1 career. The results — with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc sixth — means only a Mercedes driver can win the drivers’ title, making it a record sixth constructors’ and drivers’ title double for the team.

Pole-sitter Vettel lost his lead from the start when he nudged forward and stopped before accelerating, but was cleared by stewards of making a false start.

Teammate Leclerc hit the Red Bull of Max Verstappen on the first turn. The Dutchman spun off and later vented his anger over team radio after hearing there would be no investigation.

Stewards reviewed the incident again and said it would be looked at after the race. Both drivers were able to continue but Leclerc’s front wing was damaged and a piece later flew off, knocking the wing mirror off Hamilton’s car behind him. Verstappen eventually had to retire on the 15th of 53 laps.

Australian Daniel Ricciardo finished seventh.