2016 F1 Round 17 Japanese GP Race, Rosberg Wins as Mercedes Clinches Constructors’ Title

The Japanese Grand Prix took place over 53 laps at Suzuka. Rosberg retained the lead from pole as Verstappen moved into second. Hamilton had started second but dropped to eighth on the opening lap after a poor getaway.

Archive image of Hamilton and his Mercedes during the 2016 Japanese Grand Prix race

Hamilton fell from second to eighth after his poor start. At his first stop on lap 13, Räikkönen and Pérez were being delayed by Palmer’s Renault. Hamilton took advantage to move ahead of both and close back in on the leading group.

Rosberg maintained a steady pace and kept Verstappen out of direct attacking range. Red Bull used different tyre choices and pit-stop timing in an attempt to keep the pressure on into the closing stages.

Hamilton fought his way back into contention for a podium finish. He closed on Verstappen in the second half of the race but could not complete a pass, eventually crossing the line in third.

Rosberg won the Japanese Grand Prix ahead of Verstappen and Hamilton. The result secured the 2016 constructors’ championship for Mercedes before the end of the season.

Vettel started sixth after a grid penalty and finished fourth, with Räikkönen fifth. Both Ferraris completed the race but could not catch the podium finishers.

Pérez was seventh, Massa ninth and Button 18th. All 22 drivers finished the race, with Force India and Williams taking the midfield points.

Rosberg claimed an important victory in Japan to extend his lead in the drivers’ standings, while Mercedes secured the constructors’ title with four rounds still to run.