Formula One: Max Verstappen Wins Japanese Grand Prix With Ease, Nears Third Series Title In Row - In Pics

Runaway series leader Max Verstappen returned to dominant form on Sunday, winning the Japanese Grand Prix and moving a step closer to securing his third consecutive Formula One drivers' championship. The Red Bull driver, who missed out on the podium a week ago in Singapore, started from pole and held on for his 13th win of the season. McLaren driver Lando Norris was second, 19.4 seconds back of Verstappen, while his teammate Australia rookie Oscar Piastri was third for his first F1 podium.

Updated: 25 Sep 2023 11:34 am

Japan F1 GP Auto Racing | Photo: AP/Toru Hanai

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen of the Netherlands, right, celebrates on the podium after winning the Japanese Formula One Grand Prix at the Suzuka Circuit, Suzuka, central Japan.

From left: second placed McLaren driver Lando Norris of Britain, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner, winner Red Bull driver Max Verstappen and third placed McLaren driver Oscar Piastri of Australia of the Netherlands celebrate on the podium the Japanese Formula One Grand Prix at the Suzuka Circuit, Suzuka, central Japan.

Members of Red Bull team celebrate constructors title after the Japanese Formula One Grand Prix race at the Suzuka Circuit, Suzuka, central Japan.

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner celebrates on the podium after the Japanese Formula One Grand Prix at the Suzuka Circuit, Suzuka, central Japan. Red Bull won constructors title.

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen of the Netherlands celebrates after winning the Japanese Formula One Grand Prix at the Suzuka Circuit, Suzuka, central Japan.

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain steers his car during the Japanese Formula One Grand Prix at the Suzuka Circuit, Suzuka, central Japan.

Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz of Spain steers his car during the Japanese Formula One Grand Prix at the Suzuka Circuit, Suzuka, central Japan.

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain steers his car during the Japanese Formula One Grand Prix at the Suzuka Circuit, Suzuka, central Japan.

Safety car is deployed during the Japanese Formula One Grand Prix at the Suzuka Circuit, Suzuka, central Japan.

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen of the Netherlands, left, and McLaren driver Lando Norris of Britain lead the field after the start during the Japanese Formula One Grand Prix at the Suzuka Circuit, Suzuka, central Japan.

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen of the Netherlands steers his car during the Japanese Formula One Grand Prix at the Suzuka Circuit, Suzuka, central Japan.

Japan F1 GP Auto Racing | Photo: Toshifumi Kitamura/Pool via AP

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen of the Netherlands, right, leads the field after the start during the Japanese Formula One Grand Prix at the Suzuka Circuit, Suzuka, central Japan.