This archive report was first published on 13 October 2019.
On Sunday, October 13, 2019, Mercedes secured their sixth consecutive Formula One constructors' title after Valtteri Bottas won the Japanese Grand Prix.
The victory moved Mercedes 177 points clear of Ferrari, allowing them to wrap up a record-equalling sixth consecutive constructors' crown.
Mercedes have now equalled Ferrari's record of six constructors' titles, which the Italian team won between 1999 and 2004.
“Starting third is never easy here but there’s no point giving up,” said Bottas after scoring his third win of the season and first since the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in April.
“Really proud of the team, sixth title in a row is so impressive,” he added.
However, Ferrari's hopes of delaying Mercedes' title celebrations were dashed after both pole-sitter Sebastian Vettel and team mate Charles Leclerc ran into trouble at the start.
“The lights were on but it was my mistake (at the start),” said Vettel, a four-time winner at Suzuka.
Hamilton's joy at Mercedes' success was muted, as he lost track position to Vettel after being forced to pit a second time due to higher-than-expected degradation.
“Firstly congratulations to the team,” said Hamilton, who can still clinch the drivers' title at the next race in Mexico.
