Japanese Grand Prix: Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel retires after four laps due to engine trouble

Suzuka: Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel was forced to retire from the Japanese Grand Prix with engine trouble after just four laps on Sunday, leaving his Formula One title hopes in tatters.

The German began on the front row alongside championship leader Lewis Hamilton but his mechanics were working on a spark plug problem on the grid and Vettel complained of a lack of power after the start.

Hamilton began the day leading Vettel by 34 points with five races left.

If the Briton steers his Mercedes to victory, he will stretch that lead to 59 points with just 100 left to play for.

Hamilton has won twice before here at Suzuka, in 2014 and 2015, and was runner-up to former Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg in last year’s race.

A win in Suzuka would move Hamilton a step closer to a third F1 title in four years with Mercedes and his fourth overall.