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SUZUKA. — Lewis Hamilton praised his team after romping to victory at the Japanese Grand Prix yesterday to close in on a fourth Formula One world title after Sebastian Vettel retired with engine failure on lap four. The Briton dominated from pole, steering his Mercedes to a crushing eighth win of the year, stretching his Formula One championship lead over Vettel to 59 points with just 100 left to play for.

“Honestly I could only have dreamed of having this kind of gap. The team has done a phenomenal job, they’re just so meticulous so a big thank you to the guys. I wouldn’t say that I have one hand on it (the title),” he added later. “There’s still 100 points available so I‘m still going to keep the pedal to the metal,” said Hamilton after holding off a late charge from Max Verstappen in Suzuka.

The Red Bulls of Verstappen – who stunned Hamilton to win in Malaysia last week – and Daniel Ricciardo secured a double podium for the second successive race. Valtteri Bottas finished fourth in the second Mercedes with Kimi Raikkonen’s Ferrari taking fifth and Esteban Ocon sixth for Force India. Hamilton celebrated a fourth victory in Japan and a 61st career win with a ‘Mobot’ pose, a tribute to his friend Mo Farah, the Olympic champion athlete, who was watching trackside.

“Max drove an outstanding race and it got very close at the end,” said Hamilton. His car was looking so big in my mirrors. It wasn’t a walk in the park today. There’s still a long way to go,” added the Briton. — AFP.