2022 Japanese Grand Prix - Verstappen clinches 2nd world title in a rain-soaked Suzuka race

SUZUKA – Max Verstappen successfully defended his FIA Formula 1 Drivers World Title after winning the rain-distrupted Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka International Circuit on Sunday (Oct. 9). The Red Bull Racing driver won the 2022 world title, after his title rival Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) who finished a second ahead of Sergio Perez (Red Bull) receieved a five-second after gaining an advantage. Had Leclerc doesn't make that final mistake, the Monegasque's title hopes still alive at least until Brazillian GP. With Verstappen's win and Leclerc's third place at Suzuka, this means the Dutchman won the title with four races to spare (USA, Mexico, Brazil and Abu Dhabi). Verstappen also became the second back-to-back world champion as a Red Bull Racing driver, since Sebastian Vettel won in 2010 and 2011.

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. pic.twitter.com/lRX9mj1siw

— Max Verstappen (@Max33Verstappen) October 9, 2022

Congratulations, champion! @Max33Verstappen
Well deserved championship. I feel very proud of you and what a way to do it, in front of our Honda home race!
Let’s go for more! 1-2 to finish this championship on top! Congrats @redbullracing pic.twitter.com/M8LWSS5jei

— Sergio Pérez (@SChecoPerez) October 9, 2022

The current focus for the rest of the season is the battle for the runner-up in the drivers' standings between Leclerc and Perez. The Mexican leads Leclerc by one point after Suzuka, with Perez winning two races than Leclerc's three wins.

Sources:

- https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.verstappen-crowned-world-champion-with-japanese-gp-victory-after-late.7g1xgGHHew3f2If32u8U1z.html

- 2022 Japanese GP race results