Max Verstappen wins Japanese GP hands Constructors’ Championship to Red Bull with F1 star on brink of title

MAX VERSTAPPEN returned to winning ways at the Japanese GP, finishing top of the pack to put him on the brink of the title.

The win also gave Red Bull back-to-back Constructors’ Championships.

APMax Verstappen won the Japanese GP[/caption]

GettyThe win handed Red Bull and Christian Horner the Constructor’s championship[/caption]

GettyIt was Verstappen’s 13th win of the season[/caption]

GettyRed Bull won the title with six races to spare[/caption]

ReutersVerstappen can win the Drivers’ Championship in Qatar[/caption]

AFPVerstappen did have to fend off two McLarens[/caption]

The F1 star finished fifth last time out at the Singapore GP as Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz picked up his first win of the year.

Verstappen, 25, had a tough start to the race as he fought off both McLarens in his Red Bull car and claimed his 13th win this season.

The rival team also had a successful race, finishing in the remaining podium places.

Brit Lando Norris claimed the second spot while team-mate Oscar Piastri finished in third.

It was a less successful race for the Mercedes’ British drivers Lewis Hamilton and George Russell.

The pair finished back in fifth and seventh, although they did advance a couple of spots from their starting grid places.

Ferrari’s Monégasque driver Charles Leclerc took fourth.

Verstappen can now win his third Drivers’ Championship in Qatar on October 8.

Verstappen could be heard praising the Red Bull team for building a “rocketship” on the team radio as he passed the chequered flag.

He said: “You can all be very proud. Everyone here and back in the factory, what a rocketship we’ve built”

After finishing, Verstappen was thrilled and claimed that the race was “straightforward”.

He said: “It’s been an unbelievable weekend. To win here was great here, the car was working well on every compound.

“Also to win the constructors is great, I’m proud of everyone, we’re having an incredible year, very proud of everyone.

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner hailed Verstappen’s title claim.

He said: “It’s been the most amazing race and year for us.

“It’s a testimony to the men and women in the team, the partners. It’s a collection of everyone doing their bit to help the team.

“Max is on another level at the moment, today was an incredible performance.”

Second-placed Norris did suggest that McLaren are closing the gap to Red Bull.

After finishing, he said on the team radio: “We’re coming for Red Bull!”

There were five drivers that failed to finish the race in Japan, such as Valtteri Bottas, Sergio Perez, Lance Stroll, Logan Sargeant and Alex Albon.

More to follow…