Verstappen wins Japanese Grand Prix

Verstappen dominates Japanese Grand Prix with Red Bull one-two finish, extending championship lead, as Hamilton struggles to ninth place finish.

Max Verstappen made a triumphant return to the winner's circle with a commanding victory at the Japanese Grand Prix. After a disappointing retirement in Australia, the world champion was back in top form at Suzuka, leading a Red Bull one-two finish with Sergio Perez taking second place.

Verstappen showcased his skill by leading into the first corner twice after a restart following a first-lap incident. He then controlled the race with ease, securing the win and the fastest lap to extend his lead in the drivers' championship. The Dutchman is now aiming for a fourth consecutive title.

Perez put up a strong fight to hold off Ferrari's Carlos Sainz and secure second place on the podium. Sainz's strategic moves allowed him to finish third, edging out Lando Norris who fell back due to a mistimed pit stop by McLaren.

Ferrari had a solid showing with Charles Leclerc finishing fourth, while Norris settled for fifth. The battle for the remaining points was intense, with Fernando Alonso claiming sixth and George Russell passing Oscar Piastri on the final lap to secure seventh.

Despite feeling optimistic after qualifying, Lewis Hamilton struggled for pace and had to settle for ninth place. Yuki Tsunoda delighted the home crowd by clinching the final point in tenth for Red Bull.

Verstappen expressed his delight with the win, highlighting the flawless performance of his team throughout the race. The start was crucial, and the car's performance improved steadily, leading to a perfect race for the Red Bull driver.

The race saw a red flag due to a collision between Daniel Ricciardo and Alex Albon, causing a delay before the standing restart. Hamilton faced challenges with the hard compound tyre, ultimately losing ground in the race. McLaren's strategy missteps added to the drama, with Norris questioning the team's decision to pit early.

In the end, it was a dominant display by Verstappen, reaffirming his status as a top contender for the championship. The Japanese Grand Prix provided thrilling moments and unexpected outcomes, keeping fans on the edge of their seats until the checkered flag.