Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton scored his eighth win of the season in the Formula One Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka International Racing Course on Sunday.
The win was Hamilton's 41st of his career, tying him with Aryton Senna for third on the all-time wins list.
After starting on pole, teammates Nico Rosberg and Hamilton fought hard for the lead at the start. Hamilton edged out Rosberg in the second turn by maintaining the bottom line throughout the corner.
Rosberg was forced to back off, losing valuable position in the process, going from first to fourth in the first lap of the race.
Hamilton never looked back, leading all 53 laps on his way to the second Suzuka victory of his career. Hamilton won by a comfortable 18.9-second margin over Rosberg.
Vying for his second consecutive F1 title, Hamilton extended his points lead. The British driver now has a 48-point lead over Rosberg in the championship standings.
Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel took the final podium spot, finishing third after his win in the Singapore Grand Prix at Marina Bay Street Circuit a week before.
Kimi Raikkonen, Vettel's teammate, finished fourth, while Williams' Valterri Bottas finished fifth.
Infiniti Red Bull Racing driver Daniel Ricciardo tangled with Williams' Felipe Massa after making contact on the first lap of the race . Both drivers dropped to the rear, ending any chance of having a decent day in Suzuka.
F1's next stop will be in Sochi, Russia for the Russian Grand Prix on Oct. 11.
Click here for full race results.
