MAX VERSTAPPEN won the Japanese Grand Prix to make it a hat-trick for the season.

The Dutchman, who won the opening two races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia before being forced to retire with brake failure in Melbourne, drove a faultless race.

Max Verstappen romped to victory in SuzukaCredit: Getty

The Dutchman returned to winning ways in JapanCredit: Getty

Verstappen celebrates on the podium with Sergio Perez and Carlos SainzCredit: Getty
The 26-year-old started on pole, took the win and got the bonus point for setting the fastest lap.

Verstappen finished ahead of his team-mate Sergio Perez, who was second to give Red Bull another one-two finish, and moved the Mexican into second-place in the drivers’ championship.

Carlos Sainz, who won in Australia, continued his excellent run by finishing in third place.

Verstappen, who beat Perez by over 12 seconds, said: “It was very nice. The critical bit was the start to stay ahead and after that the car got better and better for me throughout the race.