Suzuka, Japan, 24 September 2023 (dpa/MIA) - Max Verstappen returned to winning ways with an emphatic victory at the Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday to help his Red Bull team clinch a second straight Formula One constructors' world title.

Verstappen only came under threat briefly at the start as he roared to his 13th season victory and 48th overall ahead of the McLaren pair of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, giving rookie Piastri a first GP podium.

Success came a week after Verstappen and his team missed the podium for the first time this year in Singapore, ending a run of 10 straight wins for the Dutchman and 15 in a row for Red Bull.

Even though Sergio Perez had to retire, Verstappen's points were enough for Red Bull to seal the constructors' crown with six races to spare at the home race of their engine partners Honda in Suzuka.

It was the sixth overall title for the team which has won 15 of the 16 season races.

Celebrations are likely to continue at the next race in a fortnight in Qatar where Verstappen is expected to wrap up a third drivers' title in a row.

Photo: EPA