Mercedes lodge appeal to FIA over 'erratic' Max Verstappen driving

Mercedes have lodged a protest against the 'erratic and dangerous manner' of Max Verstappen's driving to defend his position in second place at the Japanese Grand Prix.

The Red Bull ace held off Lewis Hamilton, who eventually finished third in Suzuka, with the Brit's ambitious overtake on the penultimate lap not coming off as intended.

An appeal has now been made by Mercedes, but a decision by governing body FIA is not expected to be made for another two weeks at the US Grand Prix, due to the late manner of the protest which came three hours after the race had finished.

The decision could have a big bearing on the drivers' standings, as Hamilton trails teammate Nico Rosberg by 33 points and needs every advantage possible to make up the growing deficit.