Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel was forced to retire from the Japanese Grand Prix with engine trouble after just four laps 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.
AFP
