JAKARTA - Red Bull Racing racer Max Verstappen is the fastest in the Formula (F1) race at the Suzuka Circuit, Japan. The victory led him to defend the world title.
However, there was a moment when Verstappen admitted that he was confused when he was declared world champion. The reason is, the race at the Suzuka Circuit on Sunday, October 9, was postponed for two hours due to heavy rain.
This situation made the organizers finally decide that the race would be completed in 28 laps from 78 laps that should have been undertaken. Verstappen, who finished the fastest, did not immediately celebrate because he was not sure what figure he had achieved.
The Dutchman thinks there will be a point reduction from the normal number which makes him not going to become world champion.
"When I crossed the finish line I didn't know if I was going to get full points or not. I don't think that everyone is sure (about points) at the end (of the race)," Verstappen was quoted as saying by The Guardian.
Verstappen was then approached by Tom Wood. The delegation of the media section of the International Automobil Federation (FIA) informed Verstappen that he was legally the world champion.
"Tom (Wood) approached me and said I was the world champion," Verstappen continued.
Despite getting information from Tom, Verstappen is still not sure because some of the people around him denied the notification.
Then suddenly people say, 'no, you still need one more point'. So it's actually strange because in the end we have enough points, then we become world champions again, Verstappen explained.
Verstappen became the champion with 366 points or a score of 113 points from his teammates, Sergio Perez in second place in the standings. This victory in Japan also marks Verstappen's second title in a row and reflects his dominance throughout the 2022 season.
Verstappen is recorded to have climbed the podium 14 times with 12 of them as champions. Even though he has won the latest world title, there are still four series left to confirm his achievements.
This victory in F1 Japan made Max Verstappen able to maintain his position as a driver who broke Mercedes' dominance with Lewis Hamilton in the past decade.
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