Japanese Grand Prix: Hamilton closes in on title, celebrates with Mobot

Lewis Hamilton essentially wrapped this up in qualifying. He's laser-focused on the title at this tail-end of the season, and he's not letting pole positions slip away.

Of course, the Mercedes charge to the championship is helped by Ferrari completely falling away - both Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen suffered today.

That meant Red Bull got to capitalise - and they wrapped up another double podium for Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo.

Five stars out of five. Hamilton has one hand on the trophy now - and could even wrap it up next time out, if he wins in Texas and Vettel doesn't finish in the top five. Today he put together a sensible, pragmatic drive, and demonstrated his total commitment to reclaiming the championship.

Force India were having none of their inter-team duelling today. Sergio Perez begged to be allowed to overtake Esteban Ocon, and was flatly refused permission.

Max Verstappen's start was exquisite. As Lewis Hamilton shifted over to prevent Sebastian Vettel from closing on him, the Red Bull swung past his team-mate Daniel Ricciardo, and then took the Ferrari into the turn as well to move into P2.

Perhaps not the most spectacular, but important - Ricciardo moving past Ocon into P3, and then managing to hold off Valtteri Bottas's Mercedes - despite the Finn clocking the fastest lap of the race - was very impressive.

The one-stop strategy worked well for everyone, but Red Bull's mechanics were completely on their game, turning round the stops impressively swiftly, and leaving their drivers in a great position.

Usually this goes to someone who's worked hard on the track without huge recognition, but today it goes to Daniel Ricciardo, who made it on to the podium and promptly took Lewis Hamilton's unattended phone, uploading a shedload of selfies on to Instagram.

Ferrari have completely lost the plot in recent weeks. Vettel's engine problem meant he had to retire early on, and Kimi Raikkonen found himself moving backwards through the pack.

Reigning world champion Nico Rosberg was on media duties this week, and he was joined for a chat by Sir Mo Farah.

That meant, of course, that Hamilton felt it his duty to do the Mobot after his victory.

Lukas Podolski also popped in for a nose round the garages.