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      Max Verstappen being handed F1 title at Japan GP was rule ‘mistake’ – admits Red Bull chief Christian Horner

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      RED BULL team boss Christian Horner has admitted that Max Verstappen’s title win at the Japanese Grand Prix was a “mistake” due to the rules. Confusion reigned after Sunday’s rain-hit race at Suzuka as the Dutchman was crowned champion in a race that had only been half-completed.
      Red Bull celebrated consecutive Driver’s Championships after some initial confusion in JapanCredit: Rex
      A heavy downpour saw the race red-flagged only a couple of laps after it began, with the remainder run under timed conditions due to the rules.
      While historical precedent would normally mean reduced points as the full race was not fully completed, instead drivers received the full allocation of points at the chequered flag.
      This appeared due to a glaring loophole in the rules introduced by the FIA, F1’s governing body, after last year’s heavily-criticised Belgian Grand Prix.
      The 25 points for winning the race was enough to crown Verstappen champion after title rival Charles Leclerc lost 2nd place due to a penalty.
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      Horner admitted the confusing spectacle should not have happened despite his 25-year-old driver securing another F1 crown.
      The team principal told reporters: “I think it’s a mistake that wasn’t included after the issues in Spa last year.
      “We were under the strong impression that only with 75 per cent of the race completed would full points be scored.
      “So we felt we were going to be one point short. But, in the end, Checo’s move on Charles nailed Max the championship. So you can see his surprise, the team’s surprise. But what a wonderful surprise.”
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      Verstappen himself admitted his coronation was “confusing”, “weird” and “quite funny”.
      The Red Bull driver’s second title had been inevitable for some weeks after he pulled a commanding lead on his rivals with a series of race wins.
      But the confusion over the rules echoed the far more controversial ending to last season, when safety cars ruled were implemented incorrectly and effectively lost Lewis Hamilton a record-breaking championship.
      Sunday’s race decider also attracted condemnation for reasons outside of the points confusion.
      Alpha Tauri’s Pierre Gasly was left furious after a recovery tractor arrived on track to clear up the debris of Carlos Sainz’s crash.
      Read More on The Sun
      The incident came eight years after Jules Bianchi lost his life after hitting a recovery vehicle at the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix in wet conditions.
      Meanwhile, even more controversy raged around the sport yesterday after Red Bull were found to have breached the cost cap. More

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      F1 cost cap rule explained amid huge row that could see Lewis Hamilton crowned 2021 champ instead of Max Verstappen

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      FORMULA ONE is set for one of the biggest rows in years which could yet see Lewis Hamilton crowned as 2021 F1 world champion.This Wednesday, the sport’s governing body [FIA] will publish their investigation into teams’ spending during last season.
      Max Verstappen beat Lewis Hamilton to last year’s titleCredit: Getty
      There is now financial controversy regarding the winCredit: Getty
      Last year, new budget cap rules were introduced to stop teams from spending more than £114million on developing their cars.
      This was in the hope of making the grid more competitive and prevent certain teams dominating thanks to quicker cars.
      In previous seasons, the likes of Red Bull, Mercedes and Ferrari have spent over three times that amount at a serious disadvantage to those teams lower down the grid.
      The FIA have outlined strict penalties for breaking the rules, including disqualifying teams and drivers from last year’s championship.
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      What is the background?
      Teams were supposed to submit their financial reports back in March – yet the deadline elapsed.
      Now, the FIA have the accounts, which have all passed through auditors, they will be able to establish whether teams have spent more than they should have done.
      If they are under, they are issued a certificate this coming Wednesday. If they have gone over, they won’t.
      The rumours are that Red Bull and Aston Martin are two teams that have overspent but they are likely to plead their innocence.
      As it’s the first year of the rules there are confusions as to what and what is not included in small details like providing staff with free food in their respective canteens or sick pay.
      Formula One 2022Everything you need to know about F1 this season

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      What if a team does NOT get a certificate?
      It will depend on how much they are over. If their spending is deemed as minor – under five per cent of the £114m – £5.7m – they will be sanctioned by the FIA.
      While the list of penalties include points deductions for teams and drivers, there is a growing feeling it will be a financial penalty.
      Should a team accept that punishment then they would be issued the certificate on the proviso of paying the fine.
      If they do not accept the penalty, it will be escalated further through an independent panel.
      However if the amount is more then it is classed as a “material” breach. That means the case is immediately passed to the independent panel.
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      Who are the independent panel?
      A minimum of six and a maximum of 12 people will form the panel.
      They are picked from an undetermined number of people suggested by the FIA’s General Assembly and a group of no less than five F1 teams.
      The panel has not yet been assembled and it could take time to put together but they will be financial and legal experts.
      Crucially, they will have the power to determine the punishment, as stipulated in the rules, such as points deduction, financial penalties or even disqualification from the championship.
      What if a team still refuses to accept it?
      Then the matter still has the potential to progress to the International Court of Appeal, who will decide the matter.
      This is what Mercedes had threatened last December following the controversial outcome to the title decider in Abu Dhabi, but decided against pursuing that option. More

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      Red Bull GUILTY of breaching F1’s spending cap but Lewis Hamilton will still NOT be awarded Max Verstappen’s 2021 title

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      RED BULL have been found guilty of breaking F1’s cost-cap rule – however their punishment will NOT see Lewis Hamilton handed last year’s title.The sport’s governing body – the FIA – have finally published their analysis of the team’s accounts for last season, which saw the introduction of the spending limit for the first time.
      Red Bull will NOT be stripped of last year’s titleCredit: Getty
      Lewis Hamilton missed out on an eighth world title in controversial fashion last yearCredit: Rex
      The amount was set at £114million for 2021 and was brought in to increase the competitiveness across the field, with top teams previously spending three times that amount to gain a massive advantage.
      As a result, teams were forced to restructure their businesses to comply with the rules, however, despite being adamant that they were under the limit, Red Bull were found to be over it.
      Amazingly, given the FIA’s promise to provide increased transparency under the stewardship of new president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, the report did not disclose the amount Red Bull went over.
      However, it did amount to less than five percent (£5.7million) of the £114million total triggering a “minor” breach of the regulations.
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      A list of possible penalties included stripping Verstappen of the title he won in 2021 in controversial circumstances, however, the punishment is now expected to be a fine.
      It means he will retain both last year’s and the title he clinched on Sunday in Japan.
      Red Bull do have a right to appeal but are expected to cough up the penalty in a decision that will leave their rivals furious.
      Key figures at rivals Ferrari and Mercedes feel the term “minor” is misleading, for any breach of the cost cap is still a performance benefit.
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      So, should Red Bull argue their sums were over due to including sick pay and providing free food for staff in their canteen, their rivals would suggest that money could be spent on car development.
      At Suzuka on Sunday Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto interestingly said his team’s designs were “cars that have been developed maintaining and respecting the budget cap itself”.
      He said: “We know how much, even if it’s a minor breach, it would have implied in terms of performance.
      “I mentioned $5m (£4.5m) is about half a second, even one or two million is about one or two-tenths which is about from being second on the grid or being on pole and maybe having the fastest car.
      “Obviously it’s about 2021. It’s an advantage you gain over the following seasons.”
      Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton said the previous week that even a $300,000 (£270k) additional spend could have changed the outcome of the 2021 battle.
      At the Singapore GP he said: “I remember last year in Silverstone we had our last upgrade and fortunately it was great and we could fight with it.
      If we had spent $300,000 on a new floor or an adapted wing it would have changed the outcome of the championshipLewis Hamilton
      “But then we would see Red Bull every weekend or every other weekend bringing upgrades. They had, I think, at least four more upgrades from that point.
      “If we had spent $300,000 on a new floor or an adapted wing it would have changed the outcome of the championship, naturally, because we would have been in better competition in the next race you had it on.”
      Aston Martin, who were also rumoured to have over spent, were still issued with a compliance certificate despite filling in a form incorrectly.
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      An FIA statement said that while Red Bull triggered a “minor” breach, both Aston Martin and Williams were guilty of a “procedural” breach.
      A statement from the FIA said: “The FIA cost cap administration is currently determining the appropriate course of action to be taken under the financial regulations with respect to Aston Martin and Red Bull and further information will be communicated in compliance with the regulations.” More

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      ‘I won’t be on the grid in 2023’ – Daniel Ricciardo gives up on F1 place for next year after Gasly and De Vries updates

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      DANIEL RICCIARDO appears to have given up any hope of getting a seat in Formula One in 2023. The Honeybadger had been hoping to secure a seat for next year after McLaren ditched him in favour of highly-rated compatriot Oscar Piastri.
      Daniel Ricciardo admitted he doesn’t think he will have an F1 seat in 2023Credit: Getty
      Ricciardo was all smiles despite his immediate F1 future looking precariousCredit: Rex
      However, with the announcements of Pierre Gasly and Nyck De Vries going to Alpine and Aston Martin respectively, Ricciardo has given up on the prospect of a drive in 2023.
      An understandably disappointed Ricciardo said: “To be honest, the Gasly news I was aware of.
      “I knew they were talking for a while and I knew they were very interested in Pierre, so I would say I was prepared for that and no surprise.
      “We were trying to navigate our way round that and figure out what was next, but I think the reality now is I won’t be on the grid in 2023.”
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      Two options did remain for the 33-year-old in terms of vacancies, with seats still available at Haas and Williams, but it seems neither team want to take the plunge with Ricciardo.
      The eight-time race winner has suffered an astonishing collapse of form throughout the season and sits an incredible 72 points behind team-mate Lando Norris.
      But Ricciardo has dismissed talk of retirement by declaring his intention to return in 2024.
      He added: “I think it’s now just trying to set-up for 2024. I think there could be some better opportunities then, so that’s really what all this confirms and now where the sights are set.
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      “Certainly the plan is still to be involved in F1 and this is kind of like just hitting pause for a little bit.
      “That’s the way I see it as far as my F1 career goes.
      “Sure, (racing in other series) could open up opportunities to maybe do some of that stuff but if I feel it’s going to deviate away from my target, I would still say it’s not really where I’m looking.
      “As cool as it sounds to compete in something else, the truth is mentally I’m not there yet.
      “I’m still so engaged in this, and I think a bit of time off or out of a seat will probably do me good so I would probably use that as opposed to trying to jump in something else and stay busy in a different category.
      The Honeybadger could only manage a P11 finish at the Japan Grand PrixCredit: Rex
      “So I would still say pretty convincingly it wouldn’t happen anywhere else.”
      A move of this nature would see Ricciardo follow similar paths to that of two-time champion Fernando Alonso and one-time podium sitter and current Haas driver Kevin Magnussen.
      In the meantime, Ricciardo has also been linked with taking up a position as a reserve driver at Mercedes, meaning he would step in whenever Lewis Hamilton or George Russell were unable to compete.
      After a strong P5 finish in Singapore, Ricciardo then limped to a P11 during a turbulent Japanese Grand Prix.
      The race saw the FIA once again embroiled in controversy over the way points were allocated, with an eventual ruling which indicated Max Verstappen was once again the world champion.
      Read More on The Sun
      But even this was overshadowed by drivers being incensed about a tractor being on the track while cars were, given the events which transpired in 2014 that cause the tragic death of Jules Bianchi.
      With the driver’s championship now concluded, F1 will next head to the USA for the next race on October 23. More

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      ‘Congratulations on your first F1 title’: Bitter Mercedes fans brutally troll Max Verstappen following 2021 controversy

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      SOUR Mercedes fans trolled Max Verstappen on winning his “first championship” in Formula One following the 2021 controversy in Abu Dhabi.Verstappen won his first F1 world title last season in controversial fashion, which saw Merc’s Lewis Hamilton miss out on a record-breaking eighth.
      Merc fans have trolled Verstappen, congratulating him on his ‘first’ title win, not counting last season’s due to the controversyCredit: Rex
      Hamilton has congratulated Verstappen for his second F1 world title winCredit: Getty
      Former race director Michael Masi allowed five cars to unlap themselves after the safety car which enabled Verstappen, on fresh tyres, to overtake Hamilton on the last lap.
      Fast forward 18 races and Verstappen became a double F1 world champion, winning his 12th race of the season at Suzuka.
      The 25-year-old Dutchman defended his title before Merc and Hamilton could record a win this campaign.
      And Merc fans still haven’t let go of Abu Dhabi, bitterly congratulating Verstappen on his “first” world title.
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      One said: “Congratulations on ‘WINNING’ your 1st Championship.”
      Another fuming fan said: “Max Verstappen might just win his FIRST championship shortly and it will be well deserved since Ferrari fumbled their chance.
      “Here’s to hoping Merc come back stronger next szn.”
      Merc fans aren’t the only ones “hoping Merc come back stronger” next season… so is Hamilton.
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      Hamilton says he has “no doubts” Mercedes will “build a better car next year” that could challenge Red Bull and Ferrari.
      The Brit also issued a short but sweet congratulations to his rival.
      He said after the race: “Congrats to Max.
      “I think for us, we know what the problems are with this car.
      “I believe that we as a team, we’ve not gone from being world champions to not being able to build a good car.
      “I have no doubts we’ll build a better car next year.
      “Whether or not we rectify the issues from this year, we’ll find out when we get there.” More

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      Verstappen TWICE denied euphoria of winning title thanks to bungling F1 chiefs.. and his future might not be at Red Bull

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      FOR the second year in a row, Max Verstappen was crowned world champion in unusual circumstances.Last year, it was the controversial fall out from Michael Masi’s handling of the Abu Dhabi GP that left rival Lewis Hamilton feeling the outcome of the championship had been “manipulated”.
      Max Verstappen was named world champion on Sunday… but not as he crossed the lineCredit: AP
      Verstappen celebrates with a kiss from girlfriend Kelly PiquetCredit: Getty
      This time it was because the rules – somewhat ironically drawn up by Masi after the bungled Belgian GP in 2021 – were misunderstood.
      Not that he needs it – he flew home immediately after Japan – but Verstappen has been denied the euphoria of winning a title on both occasions.
      He has also perhaps missed out on some of the respect too, for this season he has been magnificent and duly deserves the title for some incredible performances.
      I am sure there will be more titles in the coming years too, for Red Bull together with their new engine development with some help from Honda, look in an incredibly strong place.
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      But whether Verstappen becomes a five-six-seven or, dare I say it, eight-time world champion, will depend on his relationship with Red Bull.
      For the time being, he’s clearly in the best team and as such, has signed a lengthy deal until 2028.
      But will he stay with them for the duration? I am not too sure.
      Let’s be honest, like in all sports, F1 is a fickle business and the best drivers want to be in the best team.
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      I recently met with a source close to the Verstappen camp who told me that while they were all very satisfied with life at Red Bull, there was a growing feeling that both Verstappen and his father were getting closer to Mercedes boss Toto Wolff.
      Maybe it is a coincidence. Wolff now lives in Monaco with his family, so too does Verstappen.
      Or could it be that both parties were both playing the long game?
      Wolff has hinted that there would be a new deal for Hamilton, and that makes a lot of sense.
      The Brit still has plenty to offer and there is no yet any indication they are able to produce a better car than Red Bull, so it would make sense for Verstappen too to stay where he is.
      However, if the momentum shifts and Mercedes are again the ones able to produce the quickest car on the grid, then that could test Verstappen’s loyalties to Red Bull and the terms of his long-term contract.

      TAKING THE MICK
      MICK SCHUMACHER’S days in F1 could be numbered after another poor weekend for the Haas team.
      The German – the son of seven-times world champion Michael Schumacher – had a crash during practice, which the team took a dim view of.
      He also endured a miserable race that saw him finish in 17th place and out of the points.
      I understand Haas are looking at options for replacing him next season and with only one other slot at Williams available – believed to be earmarked for American racer Logan Sargeant, then he could find himself without a drive for 2023.
      Mick Schumacher wrecked his Haas car in Japanese GP practiceCredit: Splash
      THAT’S RAD, CHAD
      CONGRATULATIONS to Jamie Chadwick, who has been confirmed as W Series champion for 2022.
      The Brit was sensational this season with five wins and one second-place in seven races.
      Unfortunately, the series will not be travelling to the US or Mexico GPs as planned due to funding but they do plan to return for the 2023 season.
      However, Chadwick, 24, is likely to move on from the championship and race in Indy Lights next season in the US.
      Jamie Chadwick celebrates after winning the W SeriesCredit: Reuters
      TOM ON TOP
      EXCELR8 Hyundai driver Tom Ingram has won the British Touring Car Championship for the first time after scoring two victories in a thrilling season finale at Brands Hatch.
      The 29-year-old has been in contention for the title in six successive seasons but has been the bridesmaid on each of the previous occasions.
      But he has now secured the most coveted prize in British motorsport with a top-class performance.

      HAND OF BLOOD
      LCR Honda rider Taka Nakagami will miss the Australian MotoGP as he recovers from a hand injury.
      Nakagami suffered the injury at Motorland Aragon and needed surgery to reconnect the tendons in his fingers.
      However, instead of resting, he flew to Japan to take part in his home race against medical advice.
      But in Japan, he found his gloves were filling with blood and soon realised he was unable to compete and had in fact done more damage.
      He then underwent more surgery and now faces some enforced rest while his body recovers.

      ALV ABOUT THAT
      DUCATI’S Alvaro Bautista has opened up a 56 point lead in the World Superbike series over current champion Toprak Razgatlioglu.
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      Bautista’s win in Portugal on Sunday puts him in the lead with only three rounds to go.
      Kawasaki’s Jonathan Rea was in third place and is also in third in the championship, some 82 points behind Bautista. More

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      Inside Verstappen’s F1 title party with kiss from girlfriend Kelly Piquet, congrats from Geri Halliwell and champagne

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN’s second world title victory sparked bedlam in the paddock at the Japanese Grand Prix.He was joined by his Red Bull team and girlfriend Kelly Piquet who captured some behind-the-scenes footage of the celebrations.
      Red Bull mechanics hoisted Max Verstappen onto their shoulders following his victoryCredit: Rex
      Verstappen and girlfriend Kelly Piquet pose for a photo after his winCredit: Getty
      Kelly gave her champion boyfriend a kiss on the cheekCredit: Getty
      Verstappen was showered with champagne by team-mate Sergio PerezCredit: Getty
      Like his first championship win last year, Verstappen claimed his second F1 title in bizarre circumstances at the Suzuka Circuit.
      The Red Bull driver breezed to an easy victory at Suzuka but was unaware he had won the championship because Charles Leclerc finished second before being bumped down a place after incurring a penalty.
      Despite the initial anti-climatic realisation, Verstappen and his colleagues soon got to partying.
      Team-mate Sergio Perez, who finished second as a result of Leclerc’s sanction, poured plenty of champagne over the Dutchman.
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      Red Bull mechanics then hoisted the champion onto their shoulders with Kelly – daughter of ex-F1 driver Nelson Piquet – filming every moment of her boyfriend’s glory.
      Away from the cameras the couple allowed the moment to sink in inside the dressing room.
      They then posed for photos with Kelly giving Verstappen a kiss on the cheek as he held his trophy for winning the Japan GP above his head.
      Red Bull chief Christian Horner was also quick to congratulate his driver on social media.
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      Gari Halliwell offered her congrats on InstagramCredit: Instagram / @therealgerihalliwell
      The Spice Girl was thrilled with his victoryCredit: Instagram / @therealgerihalliwell
      Girlfriend Kelly was delighted with her partner’s winCredit: Instagram / @kellypiquet
      And his wife, Spice Girl Geri Halliwell, also wished Verstappen congratulations in a series of Instagram posts.
      Verstappen said of his win: “World Champion 2022!!!
      “We’ve been absolutely on it, the whole year. A season where we had a difficult start but kept it cool, bounced back and never let go.
      “Thank you so much to the entire team, everybody worked tirelessly to get here and this is the ultimate reward 🏆👏 Red Bull Racing, Sergio Perez, let’s keep pushing for many more highs 💪
      “To win it here in Japan makes it extra special, thank you for everything @honda. I hope you enjoy this as much as I do 🙌
      “A big thank you goes out to my family, loved ones and management, they support me whatever happens. I can not do this without you ❤️
      “To all fans, many many thanks for your incredible support, wherever we go, you are there! Absolutely amazing 🤩.”
      Partner Kelly wrote: “He did it again ✌🏻⭐️⭐️World Champion ‘21 ‘22. Thank you Japan ❤️”
      Horner said in an Instagram post: “Max Verstappen, you are a DOUBLE WORLD CHAMPION! 🏆🏆
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      “A huge congratulations to Max, he has been dominant. He and the Team have raised it to another level this year.
      “From the team trackside, to everyone back in Milton Keynes. To achieve this is something truly special.” More

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      ‘Nice five years’ – Max Verstappen’s dad makes BOLD prediction on F1 future with Red Bull after second title win

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      JOS VERSTAPPEN had made a bold prediction about his son dominating F1 following Max securing his second title. The 25-year-old wrapped up the Driver’s Championship in a rain-affected race at the Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday.
      Jos Verstappen, a former F1 driver, has backed his son all the wayCredit: AFP
      Max Verstappen was crowned champion in Japan amid confusion over the points systemCredit: AP
      Similar to last year, the win came in controversial fashion and left fans debating the rules of the sport.
      But Verstappen’s crowning had been inevitable for some time, with the Dutchman winning six of the last 7 races.
      And with Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes way off the pace and Ferrari falling away as the season went on, Jos is predicting his son could enjoy a “nice” spell in charge of F1.
      He told Viaplay: “The rules will remain largely the same, the field will therefore come closer together and we will have better races.
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      “But the strongest driver always floats to the top. If Red Bull continues like this, we will certainly have a nice five years.”
      The chaotic weather conditions saw Carlos Sainz crash his Ferrari on the slippery Suzuka track on the second lap.
      The race was red-flagged for over two hours as drivers awaited better conditions, all while controversy raged over Alpha Tauri’s Pierre Gasly and a recovery tractor on the track.
      When the race did finally get underway again, Verstappen pulled out a huge lead over his competition.
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      And while it was widely expected that he could not mathematically secure the title due to the shortened race, full points were awarded and he was crowned champion.
      Confirmation of his second title win only came after the race when Charles Leclerc picked up a penalty for cutting a corner on the final lap as he fended off Verstappen’s teammate Sergio Perez for second.
      Verstappen has won 12 of the 18 races so far this season and will be hoping to emulate periods of dominance previously seen in the sport.
      Hamilton won all but one title between 2014 and 2020, while Sebastian Vettel took four consecutive crowns between 2010 and 2013.
      Michael Schumacher landed five Driver’s Champions on the bounce between 2000 and 2004. More