Japanese Grand Prix 2016 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Lewis Hamilton continued his late-season surge with victory at the United States Grand Prix, defeating Nico Rosberg and Daniel Ricciardo at Circuit of the Americas. Hamilton controlled the race from pole position, demonstrating championship-caliber pace to cut Rosberg's lead to 26 points with three races remaining. The victory kept Hamilton's fading title hopes alive, though he required Rosberg to finish worse than second in every remaining race.

The race featured Hamilton managing his pace expertly while Rosberg followed in second place, content to secure strong points and maintain his championship advantage. Ricciardo's podium for Red Bull was excellent, demonstrating their consistent competitiveness throughout 2016. Vettel's fastest lap for Ferrari showed their underlying pace even if podiums were becoming rarer.

Hamilton's Austin triumph was his second consecutive victory and ninth of the season, matching Rosberg's tally. The win kept the championship mathematically alive heading to Mexico, though Rosberg needed only to finish second in the remaining three races to secure the title even if Hamilton won them all. The mathematics favored Rosberg heavily, but Hamilton refused to concede until the title was decided.