Formula 1: Verstappen retains world title after Japan GP win, Leclerc penalty
- A chaotic start to Japanese Grand Prix with low visibility sees Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon spin out early
- Pierre Gasly summoned by the race stewards for ‘reaching speeds up to 250km/h when completing the lap under the red flag after passing the scene of the incident’
Max Verstappen won his first Formula One championship amid controversy last year and the second after confusion at the Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday, but this time there was no argument about the outcome.
The 25-year-old Red Bull driver has enjoyed one of the most dominant seasons in the sport’s history with Suzuka the scene of his 12th win in 18 races and four rounds still remaining.
“Max has been truly, truly dominant. That’s our 14th victory (of 2022), a record for us (in a single season), and the way he has driven since the first race,” Red Bull team boss Christian Horner said.
“We came back from some difficulties in the first couple of races, but he and the team have just raised it to another level.”
The Dutch driver’s first title was marked by drama and acrimony as he fought a down-to-the wire, battle-of-the-generations duel with Mercedes’ seven-times world champion Lewis Hamilton.