Japan has delivered Max Verstappen a lift to his title defence, because the Purple Bull driver additionally collected the additional level for quickest lap. Staff-mate Sergio Perez jumps again into second place, 13 factors behind Verstappen, after his runners-up spot at Suzuka.

One other podium end for Carlos Sainz is not fairly sufficient to maneuver him away from Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc, however the hole between the pair is simply 4 factors.

1. Max Verstappen (Purple Bull) – 77

2. Sergio Perez (Purple Bull) – 64

3. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – 59

4. Carlos Sainz (Ferrari) – 55

5. Lando Norris (McLaren) – 37

6. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – 32

7. George Russell (Mercedes) – 24

8. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) – 24

9. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) – 10

10. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) – 9