Max Verstappen returns to winning ways at Japanese Grand Prix as Lewis Hamilton’s slump continues

MAX VERSTAPPEN cruised to victory at the Japanese Grand Prix.

The Dutchman, 26, had been beaten by Carlos Sainz last time out in Australia, but normal service was resumed this morning in Japan.

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Lewis Hamilton's so-far disappointing final season at Mercedes continued in Suzuka.

The Brit came in ninth, without ever troubling the top places.

Verstappen's team-mate Sergio Perez came in second, albeit way behind the reigning world champion.

Sainz completed the podium ahead of team-mate Charles Leclerc in fourth.

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Lando Norris came in fifth, ahead of Fernando Alonso in sixth.

George Russell dramatically overtook Oscar Piastri with just one lap remaining to pip the Aussie to seventh, with both ahead of Hamilton in ninth.

Yuki Tsunoda scored points in his home race for the first time by coming tenth.

The race began with a quick red flag following a collision between Alex Albon and Daniel Ricciardo.

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Both men were forced out of the race, but were able to walk away seemingly unscathed.

After his win, Verstappen said: "It was very nice, the critical bit was the start - to stay ahead.

"And after that, the car got better and better for me throughout the race. Pit stops went well, strategy went well, couldn’t really have gone better.

"The last race was a little hiccup but happy to be back here and back on top. It’s fantastic to win here!"

Following his latest podium finish, Sainz added: "I had a good race so I’m very happy.

"It was quite tough out there with the degradation, but the clouds came and the degradation got easier so I thought the one-stop might be better.

"I had to overtake today and overtaking isn’t easy, it was tough out there. I knew I needed a very big delta to approach Lando and Charles and in the end we managed it, and I could get that podium."

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