Max Verstappen retains F1 title after dominating rain-hit Japanese Grand Prix

Max Verstappen became a double Formula One world champion on Sunday after dominating a shortened, rain-affected Japanese Grand Prix.

After Verstappen won the race at Suzuka, it was understood that the Dutchman would have to wait another race to try close out the championship, but he was announced champion after Ferrari's Charles Leclerc was handed a five-second penalty and demoted from second to third.

However, the confusion continued over whether the shortened race would only award half points and therefore Verstappen would indeed have to wait.

In the end, full points were awarded and Verstappen was named world champion for the second successive year.

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