Dutch driver Max Verstappen won the Japan Grand Prix, leading Red Bull to secure the Constructors' Championship title in the Formula 1 World Championship for the second consecutive time on Sunday. With this victory, Verstappen achieved his 13th win of the season and is closing in on solidifying the Drivers' Championship title for the third time, following the withdrawal of his teammate and closest rival in the overall standings, Mexican Sergio Perez. McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri finished in second and third place, respectively.
Verstappen, who recorded the fastest lap and holds a commanding lead of 177 points over Perez, can clinch the Drivers' Championship for the third consecutive time five races before the end of the season at the upcoming Qatar Grand Prix scheduled for next month. This marks the sixth time Red Bull has claimed the Constructors' title since entering the championship in 2005 and they celebrated their win at a Honda-owned circuit that supplies their engines.
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner congratulated Verstappen on his 48th career victory, saying via the team's communication line, "Max, this was absolutely fantastic. Thank you very much, you’re incredible and dominated the race." Verstappen thanked the team for the "fantastic season" they are having and added after finishing the race 19.387 seconds ahead of Norris, "You can be very proud here at the track and at the factory. You’ve built a rocket of a car."
