Max Verstappen back with a bang as Red Bull dominate Japanese GP

Triple world champion Max Verstappen returned to winning ways with a third pole-to-flag victory at the Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday, leading team-mate Sergio Perez across the line for a Red Bull 1-2 at Suzuka.

Verstappen had suffered his first retirement since 2022 in Melbourne last time out which ended a nine-race winning streak. However, the Dutchman had no mechanical issues this week as he made it three wins from four races this season.

Verstappen twice led into the first corner off the line after the race was restarted following a first-lap incident.

From there he controlled the race, taking the chequered flag and the fastest lap to open up a 13-point lead at the top of the drivers' championship in pursuit of a fourth successive title.

Perez did well to overcome a minor threat from Ferrari as Carlos Sainz took the last step on the podium with a strong strategy enough for him leapfrog Lando Norris after McLaren misjudged a call to pit the Briton early for his final stop.

Alex Albon's Williams and the RB of Daniel Ricciardo crashed on the opening lap, triggering a red flag and a 30 minute delay while the debris was cleared and a barrier repaired. Both drivers emerged unscathed.

Chequered flag moment