Daniel Ricciardo has claimed a career-best ninth podium of the Formula One season, finishing third at the Japanese grand prix in Suzuka.

It is the first time Ricciardo has reached the podium in Japan, with his previous best finish a fourth in 2014.

The Australian Red Bull Racing driver finished behind teammate Max Verstappen and Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton, who won for the eighth time of the season.

Hamilton’s win on Sunday increases his championship lead to 59 points ahead of Ferrari driver Sebastien Vettel, who was forced to retire due to a spark plug failure.

Finland’s Valtteri Bottas remains third in the drivers standings after placing fourth in Suzuka, but Ricciardo’s ninth podium finish in the past 12 races has trimmed the gap to Bottas to 42 points.

Hamilton, who started the Japanese grand prix from pole position, can clinch the 2017 title at the US grand prix in Austin later in October.