Lewis Hamilton says he "could only have dreamed" of holding such a massive points lead heading into the final four races of the 2017 Formula 1 season.
The Briton won in Japan whilst title rival Sebastian Vettel retired with a spark plug problem, meaning Hamilton has taken 68 points in the last three races, whereas the Ferrari driver has scored a mere 12, giving the Mercedes man a 59-point lead.
That could see Hamilton secure a fourth title at the next round in the United States, if Vettel fails to finish higher than fifth.
"Honestly, I could only have dreamed of having that kind of gap," he said. "Ferrari has put on such a great challenge all year long.
"I have to put it down to my team, they have done a phenomenal job, the reliability has really been on point, they’re so meticulous, and really that’s why we’re having the reliability we’re having and the results we’re having.
"A big thank you to the guys. I owe it to everyone that’s here and back at the factory."
Hamilton admitted the race wasn't an easy one as he came under intense pressure from Max Verstappen in the final races, but backmarkers somewhat offered him a lifeline as he finished just a second ahead of the Dutchman as they crossed the finish line.
"The team did incredible job, Max drove an outstanding race. Honestly, it wasn’t an easy one for us at all.
"Today the Red Bulls just seemed to be rapid in the race trim. We’re quick in the qualifying trim. Still I was able to just hold him behind. But it definitely got very close a couple of times, particularly at the end, with the VSC and when we restarted. My tyres were cold, I had a bit of traffic, so it was very, very close."
