Mercedes Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain waves to fans after winning the Japanese F1 Grand Prix at the Suzuka Circuit October 5, 2014. [Photo/Agencies]

Vettel to leave Red Bull at end of 2014 season

SUZUKA, Japan - Lewis Hamilton won a rain-shortened Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday, claiming his third straight Formula One win and widening his lead over teammate Nico Rosberg in the race for the drivers' championship.

With Hamilton leading Rosberg, a red flag came out on the 47th of 53 laps due to heavy rain. Race officials elected not to re-start the race and Hamilton was declared the winner. Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel finished third.

Hamilton now leads Rosberg by 10 points with four races remaining.

The rain also played havoc early in the race, with first nine laps run behind the safety car. After things settled down and the race begun, Hamilton did everything possible to gain on his teammate, who started from pole.