Belgian Grand Prix 2016 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Lewis Hamilton revived his fading championship hopes with a commanding victory at the Japanese Grand Prix, defeating Nico Rosberg and Sebastian Vettel at Suzuka. Hamilton dominated from pole position through the legendary circuit's challenging corners, controlling the race to cut Rosberg's championship lead to 33 points with four races remaining. The victory kept Hamilton's mathematical chances alive though he required Rosberg to falter in the remaining races.

The race showcased Hamilton at his best, managing race pace perfectly while setting fastest lap. Rosberg followed home in second, content to secure 18 points and maintain a healthy championship advantage. Vettel's podium for Ferrari was respectable but distant from the battling Mercedes drivers, highlighting the performance gap that persisted throughout 2016.

Hamilton's Japanese triumph began what would become a late-season winning streak, though the championship mathematics remained daunting. The victory demonstrated Hamilton's refusal to surrender despite the overwhelming odds, fighting to the end even when the title appeared lost. For Rosberg, second place maintained a comfortable points buffer with only four races remaining to protect his championship lead.