SUZUKA, JAPAN: Red Bull’s Max Verstappen won his second Formula One world championship amid scenes of confusion on Sunday after Ferrari rival Charles Leclerc collected a five-second post-race penalty at the Japanese Grand Prix.
Verstappen took the chequered flag following a fine display after the restart and was crowned champion as Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez was promoted to second after the Ferrari of Charles Leclerc has penalized for gaining an advantage having run off the track at the final corner.
CHAMPIONNNN OF THE WORLD!! ???????? pic.twitter.com/m9sXfPPTTm
— Oracle Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) October 9, 2022
Immediate confusion ensued over whether full points had been awarded after the shortened rain-hit race and whther the title would go down to the U.S. Grand Prix on Oct. 23, but the FIA governing body confirmed the title was won.
“It’s a crazy feeling because I didn’t expect it when I crossed the line,” said Verstappen of his second successive crown.
