Vettel's title hopes go up in smoke in Suzuka

Sebastian Vettel's title chances went up in smoke as he crashed with Max Verstappen at the Japanese Grand Prix. The Ferrari man's attempt at a bold overtake at Spoon ended in contract with the Red Bull and spun Vettel to the back of the field.

With Mercedes dominating at the front of the grid, Vettel needed to make swift progress from eighth as he tries to eat into Lewis Hamilton's 50-point championship lead.

He took two places at the first corner, passed Romain Grosjean for fifth and then jumped team-mate Kimi Raikkonen after the Finn crashed with Verstappen.

Vettel's charge was paused by a safety car to clear debris, but he went full throttle at the restart, attacking Verstappen at one of Suzuka's highest-speed corners.

LAP 8/53

VERSTAPPEN AND VETTEL COLLIDE ????

Vettel went for a lunge at Spoon, but there was no room - he drops to P19 ????#JapaneseGP ???????? #F1 pic.twitter.com/hYNMSvrC3R — Formula 1 (@F1) October 7, 2018

Verstappen left a tiny space as Vettel dived up the inside, but the German was imprecise and clattered into the Dutchman.

It spun Vettel around, Verstappen able to catch his car and continue in third – albeit with a five-second penalty to serve for his collision with Raikkonen.

It not only dropped Vettel down the grid but also caused significant damage to his left sidepod - losing crucial downforce.

VIDEO: Vettel and Verstappen crash!
VIDEO: Verstappen and Raikkonen crash on lap one!