Red Bull's Max Verstappen retains F1 world title after Japan GP win

Formula One world championship amid scenes of confusion on Sunday after Ferrari rival Charles Leclerc collected a five-second post-race penalty at the Japanese Grand Prix. The Dutch driver won the race at Suzuka, with Leclerc demoted from second to third behind Red Bull's Sergio Perez for cutting the final chicane while defending from the Mexican on the last lap.

Immediate confusion ensued over whether full points had been awarded after the shortened rain-hit race and whther the title would go down to the U.S. Grand Prix on Oct. 23, but the FIA governing body confirmed the title was won. "It's a crazy feeling because I didn't expect it when I crossed the line," said Verstappen of his second successive crown.

List of Formula One world champions after Max Verstappen secured his second successive title at the Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday: 2022 - Max Verstappen (Netherlands) Red Bull 2021 - Verstappen, Red Bull 2020 - Lewis Hamilton (Britain) Mercedes 2019 - Hamilton, Mercedes 2018 - Hamilton, Mercedes 2017 - Hamilton, Mercedes 2016 - Nico Rosberg (Germany) Mercedes 2015 - Hamilton, Mercedes 2014 - Hamilton, Mercedes 2013 - Sebastian Vettel (Germany) Red Bull 2012 - Vettel, Red Bull 2011 - Vettel, Red Bull 2010 - Vettel, Red Bull 2009 - Jenson Button (Britain) Brawn 2008 - Hamilton, McLaren 2007 - Kimi Raikkonen (Finland) Ferrari 2006 - Fernando Alonso (Spain) Renault 2005 - Alonso, Renault 2004 - Michael Schumacher (Germany) Ferrari 2003 - Schumacher, Ferrari 2002 - Schumacher, Ferrari 2001 - Schumacher, Ferrari 2000 - Schumacher, Ferrari 1999 - Mika Hakkinen (Finland) McLaren 1998 - Hakkinen, McLaren 1997 - Jacques Villeneuve (Canada) Williams 1996 - Damon Hill (Britain) Williams 1995 - Schumacher, Benetton 1994 -