Hamilton romps to Japan win to close on world title

A rampant Lewis Hamilton led a Mercedes one-two at the Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday to move to the brink of a fifth Formula One world title.

The Briton dominated at Suzuka after starting on pole, stretching his lead over Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel to 67 points with just four races left as the German's hopes were dashed by a collision with Red Bull's Max Verstappen.

Valtteri Bottas held off Verstappen to take second almost 13 seconds behind Hamilton in a breathless 53-lap race at the fast-flowing Japanese circuit.

"Woo-hoo! I love you guys!" Hamilton screamed over team radio after his sixth win in the last seven races.

"I hope you guys are not getting bored of this -- because I'm definitely not."
- 'Unleash the beast' -
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"We've gone from strength to strength this year as a team but I'm taking it one step at a time."
"I even gave him space but he under-steered into my car."
"I had the speed. I made the corner and then he didn't give enough room and we touched."