The heavy rain that hit the Suzuka track in Japan did not deprive him of Max Verstappenthe opportunity to become world champion in Formula 1 for the second year in a row.

The Dutch Red Bull driver was the first to see the checkered flag at the Japanese Grand Prix after completing 28 of the race’s 53 laps.

The race was stopped on the third of the originally scheduled 53 laps due to weather as well as two retirements, and restarted after the first test of the track behind the safety car at 10:23 Greek time.

And as stipulated by the relevant regulations, the Grand Prix stopped shortly after 11:00 Greek time, since three hours had passed since the first start.

As Monaco’s Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc finished second, Verstappen’s coronation was postponed to a race two weeks later in Texas. However, a few minutes after the finish, a five-second penalty was announced for Leclerc, who ended up third in the final standings, while Verstappen’s team-mate Sergio Pérez moved up to second place.

“This is crazy, my emotions are incredible. The first title was a little more…emotional, the second was more beautiful,” Verstappen commented upon learning that he was definitely the world champion.

Source: RES-IPE