Max Verstappen sealed his second Formula 1 world championship after successful a chaotic, rain-shortened Japanese Grand Prix.
There was large confusion on the chequered flag amid uncertainty over whether or not full or partial factors can be awarded for a race during which solely 29 of the 53 scheduled laps had been accomplished.
With between 50% and 75% of the laps accomplished, a lot of the F1 paddock believed Verstappen would solely be awarded 19 factors for his victory.
But for the Japanese GP there was a unique interpretation of the principles, which state that the diminished factors are solely utilized if a race is suspended “and cannot be resumed”.
Verstappen was clearly confused by the scenario as celebrations started and had been then paused, but it surely was finally confirmed that full factors had been awarded, sealing the 25-year-old’s triumph with 4 races of the season remaining.
“The first one is a little more emotional, the second one is more beautiful,” Verstappen stated.
“Looking back, what a year we’ve had so far. It’s been incredible. It’s something I could never have imagined. After last year, fighting until the end, and then having such a good car again this year. I’m so thankful to everyone who has been contributing to this success.”
The Dutchman would have been denied the title if Charles Leclerc had come second, however the Ferrari driver’s final-lap error noticed him given a five-second penalty – for leaving the monitor and gaining a bonus – that demoted him to 3rd behind the opposite Red Bull of Sergio Perez.
Verstappen’s thirteenth victory in 18 races this season, and his sixth within the final seven rounds, took him an unassailable 113 factors clear on the planet championship.
After coming by means of probably the most intense of battles with Lewis Hamilton final 12 months, Verstappen has been in a league of his personal in 2022.
Source: information.sky.com”