Ruthless Hamilton roars to Japan win

Suzuka: Lewis Hamilton romped to victory at the Japanese Grand Prix to close in on a fourth world title after Sebastian Vettel retired with engine failure on lap four here on Sunday.

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.

"The team has done a phenomenal job, they're just so meticulous so a big thank you to the guys," he said. 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.

Also in the points, Sergio Perez finished seventh for Force India ahead of the two Haas cars of Kevin Magnussen and Romain Grosjean with Felipe Massa holding off Fernando Alonso's McLaren to take 10th for Williams.