Dutchman Max Verstappen is Formula 1 World Champion for the second time after a chaotic race in Suzuka. The 25-year-old made his early title defense perfect with a win at the Japanese Grand Prix and, with four rounds left to play in the season, he can no longer be ousted from the top position.
The decisive factor was that Verstappen got the full number of points in the shortened rain race. The Red Bull driver repeated his coup from the previous year, when he only became champion in the last race.
He has now risen to the circle of multiple world champions. “I didn’t expect it, it’s incredible,” said the old and new champion. “The first time is always the more emotional, but the second is maybe even nicer,” he added.
Leclerc third after time penalty
Verstappen prevailed over his team-mate Sergio Perez and Charles Leclerc in the Ferrari when the racing series returned to Japan after a two-year Corona break. After the end of the race, Leclerc received a time penalty for a duel with Perez and thus dropped from second to third place.
It was Verstappen’s twelfth win of the season. In the remaining four races in the USA, Mexico, Brazil and Abu Dhabi, he can no longer be caught by the competition.
“It’s crazy, I have mixed feelings,” admitted Verstappen, who initially hadn’t even thought about defending the title on site. “I am grateful to everyone who contributed to this success.”
Vettel sixth, Schumacher 18th.
It was “very emotional” to be world champion for the second time. Last year he became champion for the first time after a highly controversial final in front of Mercedes man Lewis Hamilton.
In his final appearance in Japan before retiring next month, Sebastian Vettel finished sixth in the Aston Martin. His German compatriot Mick Schumacher drove his Haas racing car to 18th place in difficult conditions.
