F1 Japan: Charles Leclerc penalized, Max Verstappen world champion

Max Verstappen wins Japanese Grand Prix and clinches his second consecutive title

Max Verstappen wins the Japanese Grand Prix and clinches his second world title. The Dutch driver won the race at Suzuka, first interrupted and then shortened due to bad weather, finishing ahead of Leclerc and Perez. The Monegasque’s 5-second penalty, due to a chicane cut in the finale of the Japanese race, demoted the Ferrari driver to third place, thus ensuring Verstappen’s rainbow triumph.

Heavy rain and poor visibility on the track prompted the stewards to stop the race after just three laps. Immediately ended the race for Carlos Sainz, dangerously stopped in the middle of the track with poor visibility. After a stop of more than two hours, the race resumed at 9:15 a.m. with a time limit of 10 a.m. Italian time. Almost a sprint race: Verstappen keeps Leclerc behind and then stretches, flying to victory. The Monegasque has to watch out behind Perez, on the last lap he makes a long run but manages to keep behind the Mexican, taking second position: however, the marshals punish the Monegasque with a 5-second penalty, Perez finishes second and Verstappen is world champion again.

Order of finish (top 10)

Verstappen
Perez
Leclerc
Ocon
Hamilton
Vettel
Russell
Alonso
Latifi
Norris