Starting eighth on the grid, the reigning world champion made up four places on the first lap and it did not take long for him to take the lead.

Unfortunately the race did finish behind a safety car following a problem with Daniel Riccardo's McLaren that led to a yellow flag.

The victory puts Verstappen in a position to win back-to-back world titles in just under three weeks’ time at the Singapore Grand Prix.

Verstappen said the focus is on another solid performance in Singapore.

“We had a great race. On the heavy compound we were quickest and the deg was very good, so we had a really good race car.

“It was just controlling the gap at the end, and then of course the Safety Car came out - unfortunately we didn’t get a restart.

“The start was very good. I had a clean entry into the chicane and then I could quickly get back into my rhythm and get into second.

“It was really good on the tyres, it was really enjoyable to drive today even though it was quite hot out there, but a great day for us.

“It took a bit of time to be on a great podium like this, but finally, we are on it.”

Charles Leclerc of Ferrari finished in second while George Russell of Mercedes rounded off the podium.

Morgan Piek/OFM Sport