Max Verstappen Wins Japanese Grand Prix
Verstappen Takes Suzuka Victory, Ricciardo Crashes Out
Suzuka, Japan - Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing has won the 2023 Japanese Grand Prix, extending his lead in the Formula 1 Drivers' Championship.
Verstappen started from pole position and led every lap of the race, despite a late challenge from Ferrari's Charles Leclerc. The Dutchman crossed the line 2.7 seconds ahead of Leclerc, with Leclerc's teammate Carlos Sainz Jr. finishing third.
The race was marred by a first-lap incident that saw McLaren's Daniel Ricciardo crash out of the race. Ricciardo was attempting to overtake Alpine's Fernando Alonso when the two cars made contact, sending Ricciardo's car into the barriers. Ricciardo was uninjured in the incident.
The victory is Verstappen's 12th of the season, and it moves him 116 points clear of Leclerc in the Drivers' Championship standings. With just four races remaining, Verstappen is now the heavy favorite to win his second world title.
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