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Five talking points from the Japanese Grand Prix, won by Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes:

Ayr apparent
For once the swagger and the bling image melted away as Lewis Hamilton seemed genuinely awe-struck at matching boyhood hero Ayrton Senna’s tally of 41 race wins in Japan. Tears welled up in his eyes on the podium, before he spoke of his joy at drawing level with the Brazilian great. Indeed, the manner of Hamilton’s victory was almost Senna-like in its dominance.

Psychological damage
While Hamilton was roaring to his eighth victory in 14 races this season, spare a thought for his team mate Nico Rosberg, who failed to consolidate pole position at Suzuka for the second year in a row. Bullied at the start by Hamilton, how a deflated Rosberg reacts in Russia in two weeks is likely to determine the outcome of this year’s title race. It would be very brave to bet against Hamilton now.

Oh behave, Fernando!
Fernando Alonso tore strips off McLaren engineers in an astonishing rant, yelling on team radio that his car’s lack of power was “embarrassing” and like a “GP2 engine”. McLaren boss Ron Dennis took a dim view of Alonso’s tantrum and promised to have words with the Spaniard. Alonso’s sudden vagueness over his future with McLaren despite being in the first year of a three-year contract also raised eyebrows.

Pot noodle and a sandwich
One of the strangest sights in Japan was cash-strapped Lotus locked out of their paddock hospitality unit in Suzuka waiting for freight, including engines, because of a row over unpaid bills. French driver Romain Grosjean was forced to chat in the rain to reporters huddled under umbrellas, while mechanics had to make do with pot noodles and sandwiches from the staff canteen instead of their usual posh catering.

Red Bull lose fizz
Red Bull’s F1 future has also been plunged into doubt after team principal Christian Horner revealed that owner Dietrich Mateschitz had become ”disillusioned” with the sport. The Austrian energy drink giant’s threat to walk away from the sport looks more than a hollow one with diminishing return on investment said to be to blame. With Red Bull yet to secure a competitive engine for next year after their impending split from Renault, the team’s future appears to hinge on striking a deal with Ferrari to supply their power units.


As 2015 season ends, is the sun setting on Formula One?

Nico Rosberg ends Formula One season on a hat-trick high after winning in Abu Dhabi 

Late effort puts Nico Rosberg on pole for season finale in Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Lewis Hamilton wants to end triumphant Formula One season on a high note in Abu Dhabi

Formula One 2015

Five things we learned from the Japanese Grand Prix

Lewis Hamilton's drive was Senna-esque. Photo: EPA

A reflection of Red Bull and Ferrari mechanics talking to each other. Photo: AP

Fernando Alonso (front) was not impressed with his McLaren. Photo: AP

Nico Rosberg had to make do with second. Photo: Reuters

Lewis Hamilton celebrates another win. Photo: Reuters

Lotus mechanics talk in the paddock. Photo: AFP

Lewis Hamilton lets emotions flow after equalling boyhood hero Ayrton Senna's record

British F1 driver Lewis Hamilton celebrates on the podium after winning the Japanese Formula One Grand Prix at the Suzuka Circuit. Photo: EPA

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton wipes away tears as he celebrates his victory on the podium at the Suzuka Circuit. Photo: AFP

Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton celebrates his victory on the podium next to second-placed teammate Nico Rosberg and Sebastian Vettel, who placed third. Photo: AFP 

Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel leads Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg in the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka. Photo: AFP 

Sport

Other Sport

Lewis Hamilton the natural successor to Ayrton Senna and Fernando Alonso could be on the way out
