FÓRMULA-1

Verstappen wins second most coveted crown for second time

Max Verstappen became, for the second time, Formula 1 World Champion. The decisive victory took place at the Suzuka circuit.

Max Verstappen won the Japanese Grand Prix. His main opponent, Charles Leclerc, received a 5-second penalty that cost him 2nd place. In this way, the Red Bull driver became the Formula 1 World Champion for the second year in a row.

The Japanese Grand Prix started at the appointed time, 08:00 Romanian time, despite the rain. The race was interrupted by a red flag caused by Carlos Sainz's pit stop. He hit a guardrail, which forced him to abandon the race.

The red flag lasted for about two hours, during which time the rain was supposed to stop. With about 40 minutes left, the race was restarted under the Safety Car. At the restart, the top two positions were occupied by Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc.

After the Safety Car was removed, the drivers had about 40 minutes. Verstappen managed the race well, building a consistent lead over Leclerc, who was eventually overtaken by Sergio Perez. Charles Leclerc crossed the finish line in second place but was relegated to third place. The Monegasque was given a 5-second penalty after cutting the final chicane and coming back in front of Sergio Perez. The stewards deemed the move illegal and gave him a 5-second penalty. Thus, Leclerc lost any chance of winning the title this year, and Max Verstappen is, for the second year in a row, world champion.

There are four stages left this season. The next one will take place in two weeks. It will be held in the United States of America, in Austin, Texas. Then we will reach the circuits of Mexico, Brazil and Abu Dhabi.

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