Max Verstappen crowned world champion in farcical scenes at Japanese Grand Prix

Max Verstappen has been crowned F1 world champion in farcical scenes after claiming victory at the Japanese Grand Prix.

Max Verstappen has won his second F1 world championship in extremely anticlimactic fashion after claiming victory at Sunday's Japanese Grand Prix.

The race was red flagged after two laps when Carlos Sainz crashed out as wet weather wreaked havoc on the Suzuka circuit.

Verstappen dominated out in front once the race resumed, but it initially appeared he would have to wait to wrap up the world title at the US Grand Prix after Charles Leclerc crossed the finish line second and Sergio Perez was third. 

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But in a late twist, Leclerc was handed a five-second time penalty for leaving the track and gaining an unfair advantage on Perez during their tight duel in the dying stages.

Even so, many believed Verstappen had not yet attained an unassailable lead in the championship and the full complement of points wouldn't be awarded because less than 75 per cent of the race had been completed.

But officials deemed because the race resumed after a red flag and it went to the end of the three-hour window, it was decided the race had been completed and full points would be awarded.

F1 fans were still crunching the numbers and they had their heart in their mouths when Sky Sports presenter Johnny Herbert told Verstappen he had wrapped up the world title in a post-race interview.

Max Verstappen wasn't sure if he had wrapped up the title.

Verstappen was unsure if he had in fact sealed the championship, prompting bizarre scenes in the cool down room when he had to clarify what had happened with an official. 

He said in the awkward exchange: "But I'm not, no? I am? You sure? Because people keep telling me different."

F1 fans were stunned by the farcical scenes, arguing it was the most underwhelming way possible to crown Verstappen world champion.

The Times' Rebecca Clancy tweeted: "Turns out Verstappen is champion today. Congratulations to him. But total farce today. Bad day for the sport."

F1 broadcaster Jennie Gow said: "So full points were awarded - which means Max is CHAMPION. What a weird set of rules."

oh my god what an absolute mess of a way to announce the championship

— Hazel Southwell (@HSouthwellFE) October 9, 2022

So look I'm a very new #F1 fan who often doesn't really know what's going on but that is the most chaotic awarding of a world championship that I have ever seen, in any sport, ever, wtf😂

— Anna Vidot (@AnnaVidot) October 9, 2022

It means Verstappen's back-to-back world championship wins have both been overshadowed by rulebook technicalities, following the infamous season decider in Abu Dhabi last year when he overtook Lewis Hamilton on the final lap.

The victory in Japan was Verstappen's 12th Grand Prix victory of the season with four races remaining. 

He now becomes just the eighth driver in history to consecutive F1 world championships.

Does the FIA want to have a season that doesn't end in an absolute shambles? Just once?

— Riley Beveridge (@RileyBev) October 9, 2022

Earlier, Pierre Gasly was furious after he narrowly avoided a disastrous collision when a recovery tractor came onto the track too early during the Safety Car period.

Australia's Daniel Ricciardo finished out of the points in 11th, the same position he started in. 

It turns out Max Verstappen is world champion after all. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

Japanese Grand Prix results (top 10)

1. Max Verstappen (Red Bull)

2. Sergio Perez (Red Bull)

3. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)

4. Esteban Ocon (Alpine)

5. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)

6. Sebastian Vettel (Aston Martin)

7. Fernando Alonso (Alpine)

8. George Russell (Mercedes)

9. Nicholas Latifi (Williams)

10. Lando Norris (McLaren)