Max Verstappen storms to victory in Japan as Red Bull clinch constructors' title

Formula One leader Max Verstappen ran away with the Japanese Grand Prix from pole position on Sunday as his dominant Red Bull team secured the constructors' title for the second year in a row.

The victory at Suzuka was the Dutch driver's 13th of the season and left him on the brink of a third world championship after Mexican teammate Sergio Perez, his closest rival, failed to finish. Verstappen holds a 177-point lead over Perez and can now seal the title with five rounds to spare at the next race in Qatar.

Verstappen finished ahead of McLaren pair Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri in Japan, and his win helped Red Bull clinch the constructors' title even though Perez retired from the race.

"You have built a rocket ship of a car," he told his team over the radio after crossing the line.

Nearest challengers Mercedes were unable to stay in contention, with Lewis Hamilton finishing fifth and George Russell placing seventh. Ferrari's Charles Leclerc was fourth, while teammate Carlos Sainz was sixth.

"I'm exhausted, fighting with absolutely everything I had to get as high up as possible and ahead of Ferrari," Hamilton told Sky Sports.

"It was a hell of a flight. I've got the most points for the team, I'm trying to hold on for the constructors, I know how important it is for everyone.

"I'm giving absolutely everything, the car is such a handful. It's tough given how much work we've done to progress and we're no closer to the front. But we did get ahead of one of the Ferraris, which was great teamwork. A long way to go."

Verstappen was back to his breathtaking best after a disappointing fifth-place finish at last week's Singapore Grand Prix.

"Unbelievable weekend, to win here is great," said Verstappen. "The car was working very