Valtteri Bottas (P1, 25 pts): 9.5/10
We've accused Valtteri Bottas of being the invisible man for long spells this season. He was out of sight again on Sunday, but this time it was only because he pulled out such an emphatic lead and dominated the race so completely that he was rarely picked up by the TV coverage, which was having more fun concentrating on midfield battles. But that shouldn't take away from Bottas' achievement in Suzuka, which saw him claim his first race victory since Baku back in April. Arguably this was a much better performance from the Finn, perhaps his best yet for Mercedes: topping the times in both practice sessions ahead of his team mate, Bottas' only slip all weekend was not managing to convert this form into a front row grid spot in qualifying. But he turned that frown upside down a few hours later when he spotted Vettel's stutter before the lights, which allowed him to pounce with ruthless perfection and take advantage with a swooping move around the outside to seize the lead into turn 1. After that there was no question of team orders during the rest of the race - if anything, Lewis Hamilton's nine laps in the lead during the overlapping pit stops seemed strategically designed to assist Bottas to victory. Not that he needed it: Valtteri had things completely under control all afternoon, and his victory this week not only helped Mercedes clinch the team championship but also ensures that he's the only driver still left in driver title contention with a chance of overhauling Hamilton. Let battle recommence in Mexico!
