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Max Verstappen dominated a wet and strange 2022 Japanese Grand Prix, and became the 2022 World Drivers’ Champion in a manner that, confusingly, seemed to go against the FIA’s handbook.
Charles Leclerc and Sergio Perez had a furious battle for second going down the final chicane. Leclerc tried to fend off Perez and came back to the line without beating Perez for second. Leclerc was given a five-second penalty and finished third, while Perez finished second, 27 seconds behind Verstappen.
Because the race only went 28 of 53 laps, in theory the rulebook stated that there should be an improved points system that would award 19 points to the winner, 14 to second and 12 to third. With this system, Verstappen leaves Earth in the Rising Sun with 111 points, leaving him one point shy of a low of 112. But the FIA normally awarded points on the 25-18-15 system, clinching the championship for the Dutchman, because the race did not end on pit road with time running out, seeing a signal flag.
“In accordance with article 57, if a competition is suspended * and cannot be resumed, points will be awarded for each title point…” etc.
We continued the competition, so full points can be given according to the law. This makes Max the champion. Very confusing #F1 #Japanese GP
— Chris Medland (@ChrisMedlandF1) October 9, 2022
“Oh, what can I say?” Verstappen played the clip over and over again as part of a post-race podium interview with former F1 race winner Johnny Herbert, who announced for the first time that he was once again champion. To do this in front of all the Japanese fans is very special. Unbelievable”
Verstappen ran from the interview area to hug the members of the Red Bull team who had gathered outside Park Farm nearby.
“I think Max’s title this year was just a matter of time, really.” Leclerc spoke in his own F1 media interview as Verstappen celebrated with the team. “We expected them to win the World Cup, and now we can use these final tournaments to become a better team. And hopefully next year will bring an even greater challenge.
On lap one, Sebastian Vettel spun in the first turn after colliding with Fernando Alonso. Both drivers were able to continue with little-to-no damage, with Vettel eventually pipping Alonso at the line for 6th by 0.011s.
Carlos Sainz stopped 11 from the hairpin. Alex Albon failed to get out of second gear at the Williams and didn’t make it long before he was forced out, leaving him 13th in the first round. These retired cars resulted in a full safety car and poor visibility due to the spray from the cars forced a red flag.
During the red flag start, Pierre Gasly first hit a marker that came onto the track and failed to see it, then almost hit a tractor that was on track to start the cleanup process. This led to heaps of condemnation from many in the sport during the red flag, with many drivers taking to Twitter to express their displeasure, particularly as a statement from the FIA seemed to place more blame on Gasly than themselves. This incident will be under review and may lead to rule changes in the upcoming season.
Pierre Gasly furious after horribly passing recovery tractor on race track 🤬 pic.twitter.com/ObGzakycvE
— ESPN F1 (@ESPNF1) October 9, 2022
The red flag was about to go up 50 minutes into the race before the rain fell further and delayed the start again. Finally, two hours and 15 minutes after the start of the race, the flag went up and went under the safety car with 45 minutes to go. A few laps later the safety car came back in and it was racing at the end of the FIA’s three hours.
Despite many splashes, the rest of the race took place until the 28th lap.
Esteban Ocon brilliantly beat Lewis Hamilton to fourth in a 15-minute battle that should have left Hamilton fifth. George Russell struggled in the rain to finish eighth compared to his teammate.
Nicolas Latifi eventually scored his first points of the season by finishing ninth, while Lando Norris ended his McLaren campaign fourth in the constructors’ points with a tenth in the final points.
Next up is the F1 United States Grand Prix, which will be televised from the US circuit on ESPN on Sunday, October 23 at 3:00 pm ET.
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