Sebastian Vettel’s success at Suzuka would have been sufficient to clinch the crown if rival Fernando Alonso had completed at a lower place than eighth.
But Alonso’s fourth spot means that Vettel must wait for the Indian Grand Prix before he can wrap up the Formula One title.
Mark Hughes’ in-depth Japanese GP report
Red Bull employer Christian Horner has stated all the team’s interest had been on winning the race as opposed to worrying about the championship. It took a one-two with Vettel and Mark Webber.
“We went to win, the championship title will look after itself,” he stated.
“We are going to India and will strike like we did in Japan. If we score more points compared to other people, we will win the championship and come away with the title.
With Vettel having won the last five grands prix consecutively, Horner has not dismissed seeing out the campaign with four more victories for the German – although states he would like to see Webber take a final Formula One victory.