Rosberg wins, Mercedes clinch constructors’ title

The German now leads Hamilton by 33 points in overall standings

SUZUKA: Nico Rosberg eased to victory at the Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday with a drive that handed Mercedes their third straight constructors championship and extended the German’s lead in his pursuit of a maiden Formula One title.

Max Verstappen crossed the line in second in his Red Bull, fending off a late-charging world champion Lewis Hamilton, who recovered from a botched start to finish third in the other Mercedes.

Rosberg now leads Hamilton by 33 points in the overall standings and, with just four races to go, can claim the title without winning any more races this year.



Formula One world championship standings after the Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday:

Drivers

1. Nico Rosberg (GER) 313 points, 2. Lewis Hamilton (GBR) 280, 3. Daniel Ricciardo (AUS) 212, 4. Kimi Raikkonen (FIN) 170, 5. Max Verstappen (NED) 165, 6. Sebastian Vettel (GER) 165, 7. Valtteri Bottas (FIN) 81, 8. Sergio Perez (MEX) 80, 9. Nico Hulkenberg (GER) 54, 10. Felipe Massa (BRA) 43, 11. Fernando Alonso (ESP) 42, 12. Carlos Sainz Jr (ESP) 30, 13. Romain Grosjean (FRA) 28, 14. Daniil Kvyat (RUS) 25, 15. Jenson Button (GBR) 19, 16. Kevin Magnussen (DEN) 7, 17. Jolyon Palmer (GBR) 1, 18. Pascal Wehrlein (GER) 1, 19. Stoffel Vandoorne (BEL) 1



Constructors

1. Mercedes 593 points (champions), 2. Red Bull 385, 3. Ferrari 335, 4. Force India 134, 5. Williams 124, 6. McLaren 62, 7. Toro Rosso 47, 8. Haas 28, 9. Renault 8, 10. Manor 1