The German’s ninth victory in 14 races means he needs just a point from the remaining five races to seal the title. The only man who can mathematically beat him is Jenson Button, who finished second ahead of Red Bull’s Mark Webber.
Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso was fourth from McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton, who recovered from a drive-through penalty.
Force India’s Paul di Resta drove superbly on his debut at one of the toughest races on the calendar and the Scot took an impressive sixth place