F1: Grosjean helps Haas to close the gap on rivals

Team-mate Kevin Magnussen was classed 20th after a flat left-rear tyre at the start of the race at Suzuka Circuit damaged his car too much to continue.

The Banbury squad remains fifth in the FIA F1 Constructors’ Championship but cut the gap to Renault to eight points after Grosjean secured his fifth points-paying drive this year. Haas F1 Team also extended its advantage over sixth-place McLaren to 26 points.

Lewis Hamilton won the race from the pole to earn his 71st career Formula One victory, his series-leading ninth this season and his fourth in a row.

Hamilton beat his Mercedes AMG Petronas team-mate and second-place starter Valtteri Bottas by 12.919 seconds.

That was his fourth victory at Suzuka and maintains the Brackley teams’ recent dominance at the track, as no other team has won the Japanese Grand Prix since 2013.

Hamilton’s win, combined with Sebastian Vettel’s sixth-place finish, saw him extend his lead in the FIA F1 Drivers’ Championship standings to 67 points over the Scuderia Ferrari driver.

Carlos Sainz picked up more points for Renault with tenth place while Enstone team-mate Nico Hülkenberg was classed as 19th after his retirement.