Chaos in Japan – Verstappen proclaimed world champion minutes after the end of the race

Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen won the Japanese Grand Prix in the rain chaos at Suzuka and defended his world title. The Dutchman only found out about this minutes after crossing the finish line.

Teammate Sergio Perez took second place in difficult conditions, Charles Leclerc in the Ferrari was moved from second to third place after a time penalty. Sebastian Vettel drove his Aston Martin in sixth place, Mick Schumacher finished 18th in the Haas racing car.

After the race, Red Bull star Verstappen himself believes that he missed the early title defense for the second time in a row. "I was only told after the race that I was world champion," said Verstappen later.

Since the race was significantly shortened due to the heavy rain, the rules for this case stipulate that the full World Championship points are not awarded. In this case, Verstappen's lead would not have been enough. This is also what news agencies around the world reported.

Minutes after the race, however, it became known that the full points had been awarded. Reason: It was not a question of a termination, rather the race was completed normally.

This interpretation of the rules by the world association Fia also surprised everyone involved on the track. Red Bull team boss Christian Horner stated that he only found out during the award ceremony that his protégé was now world champion.

"It's crazy, I have mixed feelings," admitted Verstappen: "I'm grateful to everyone who contributed to this success." 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.