Nico Rosberg was delighted after taking another step towards his first world title at the Japanese Grand Prix.
The German’s ninth win of the season puts him firmly in the driving seat in this year’s championship battle.
Before the race, there was increased tension on the grid. Heavy overnight rain meant there was a big unknown in how the start of the race would fair. However, Rosberg managed to get away from the line well to break away while Hamilton fell to eighth on the opening lap.
Max Verstappen closely followed the leading Mercedes into Turn 1 but couldn’t keep up with Rosberg’s blistering pace at the front as the Mercedes driver went on to win by five seconds.
Speaking on the podium Rosberg said: “It’s been an awesome weekend for sure, the whole weekend had gone great from the word go, so it’s been very, very special, especially on this legendary track, beautiful to win here. And of course congrats to everybody, to all my colleagues in the team, for clinching a third Constructors’ World title.
“So absolutely deserved, definitely it’s been an unbelievable effort all these years, so let’s celebrate hard. And thank you very much to all of you, a very, very special weekend this weekend, you put on such a great show out in the grandstands, it’s amazing.”
With his championship lead now extended to 33 points, a first world title now looks more of a reality for the German. However, with 100 points still left on the table there is still a lot can happen in the four races left this season.
“I’m well aware of the 33 points of course but it’s not something I’m focused on, as you know,” Rosberg added. “I just want to take it race by race.
“That’s what I did this weekend. So focused on trying to win the race and very happy it worked out. Still many races to go, so just keeping my head down.”
