Nico Rosberg cruised to victory at the Japanese Grand Prix to give his Formula One title chances another boost as Mercedes sealed a third straight constructors' championship. 

The German made it four wins in five races with a comfortable success at a cloudy, and briefly damp, Suzuka on Sunday.

A strong start set pole-sitter Rosberg up as he won from Red Bull's Max Verstappen and team-mate Lewis Hamilton.

Championship rival Hamilton – winner in Japan the previous two years – was left to rue a slow start that saw him slip from second to eighth.

But his excellent recovery, and late battle with Verstappen, could yet prove crucial in the title fight.

With four races remaining, Rosberg has extended his lead to 33 points over Hamilton.