Max Verstappen had a remote chance of getting his second Formula 1 world title at the last Singapore Grand Prix, after having won five consecutive victories. However, the Dutchman could not achieve the necessary combination of results to add a new title that would equal him with names like Fernando Alonso, Mika Hakkinen or Graham Hill , the only one in history to win the Triple Crown [win in the GP of Monaco, the 500 Miles of Indianapolis and the 24 Hours of Le Mans].
So a week later he was planted in Suzuka to try again, although he was aware that he still had four more match points if he failed on Japanese soil. It was not like that, and the 25-year-old, just turned on September 30 , won the title of the 2022 season of the highest category of motorsports.
Gallery: Images from Red Bull celebrating Max Verstappen’s second F1 title
Photo by: Sam Bloxham/Motorsport Images
Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool
Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool
Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool
Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool
Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool
Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool
Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool
Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool
Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool
Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool
Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool
Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool
Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool
Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool
Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool
Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool
Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool
Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool
Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool
Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool
Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool
Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool
Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool
Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool
Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool
Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool
Photo by: Steven Tee / Motorsport Images
Photo by: Steven Tee / Motorsport Images
Photo by: Sam Bloxham/Motorsport Images
Photo by: Steven Tee / Motorsport Images
Photo by: Sam Bloxham/Motorsport Images
Photo by: Steven Tee / Motorsport Images
Photo by: Sam Bloxham/Motorsport Images
Photo by: Sam Bloxham/Motorsport Images
Photo By: Andy Hone/Motorsport Images
Photo by: Sam Bloxham/Motorsport Images
Photo by: Steven Tee / Motorsport Images
Photo by: Steven Tee / Motorsport Images
Photo by: Steven Tee / Motorsport Images
Photo By: Andy Hone/Motorsport Images
Photo by: Steven Tee / Motorsport Images
Photo by: Steven Tee / Motorsport Images
Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool
Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool
Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool
Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool
Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool
Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool
In the rainy start, the Dutchman retained the lead, although Charles Leclerc made it very difficult for him, since the Ferrari driver went parallel in the first corner, but had to give in to his rival’s good line. From there, and after the controversy caused by a crane in the middle of the track while Carlos Sainz’s crashed car was being removed, Verstappen did not let go of the lead until he crossed the finish line with the three-hour time limit already met.
Despite having won the 32nd victory of his career, the Red Bull rider could not yet celebrate the world championship, since the podium positions were still to be decided. A maneuver to the limit by Leclerc caused the FIA to impose a five-second penalty, relegating the Monegasque to third place, and allowing Sergio Pérez to certify the Milton Keynes team’s double.
Already in the parc fermé , Verstappen learned that he was two-time world champion due to the modification of the distribution of points from last season, and he celebrated in style, with his team, the feat in Suzuka.
“World Champions of 2022!” He wrote on his social networks. “We’ve been going for it, all year. A season where we had a rough start, but stayed calm, bounced back and never let go.”
“Many thanks to the entire team, everyone has worked tirelessly to get here and this is the ultimate reward,” mentioning Red Bull and teammate Checo Pérez. “Let’s keep pushing to get much higher. Winning here in Japan makes it more special, thanks for everything Honda, I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.”
“I thank my family, loved ones and management, they support me no matter what happens. I can’t do this without you. To all the fans, thank you so much for your incredible support, wherever we go, you are there! Absolutely incredible “, assured Verstappen.
In the subsequent celebrations, the entire energy drink team came together to pose in front of the garage and uncork the champagne with a blackboard that recalled the success of the Formula 1 star.
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