How Did Max Verstappen Manage To Win World Championship Even After Not Having The Points Required?

Even before coming to Japanse Grand Prix, it was almost certain that Red Bull\’s Max Verstappen would lift the 2022 Formula One title. But what was a possibility before Sunday turned into reality after the race on the Suzuka track concluded? After finishing the at the pole in the Japanese Grand Prix, Verstappen claimed his second F world championship. However, much like his first championship. Verstappen\’s second title is also not free from controversy. 

What Is The Controversy Surrounding Max Verstappen\’s Title?

Following his convincing victory at the Japanese Grand Prix, Max Verstappen successfully defended his F1 world title in the midst of intense chaos. After dominating a spectacular rain-shortened Japanese GP, Verstappen has crowned the world champion on Sunday. 

Charles Leclerc, who finished in second place, was handed a five-second penalty, lowering him to third. Therefore, Max finished first and was given the victory. Verstappen now has a 113-point championship lead that is unstoppable as a result of the outcome. After Sebastian Vettel and Michael Schumacher, Max became the third driver to defend his championship with four races remaining successfully.

But similarly to his first championship in 2021, it was also clouded by disagreement over how race officials construed Safety Car rules. It was unclear if Verstappen had locked up the championship on Sunday due to the FIA\’s view of how many points would be given. The race happened as per schedule, but three circuits into it, two of them with the Safety Car in place after Carlos Sainz\’s collision, the rain stopped.

Max put up a dominant effort to win a chaotic, wet-shortened race by nearly 30 seconds. Sergio Perez finished ahead of Ferrari\’s Charles Leclerc in second place on the road. As just 29 of the scheduled 53 laps were completed, confusion ensued as to whether full points would be awarded. The FIA referenced Sporting Regulations Article 6.5, which addresses staggered points. Only if a race is postponed in line with Article 57 and cannot be restarted\” does it take effect.

Mercedes Rushed To Check The Rules!

According to Sky Sports expert Ted Kravitz, as soon as Max Verstappen became the winner, there was both exhilaration and bewilderment. As a result, the Mercedes crew hurried to confirm the regulations for themselves. Even though they weren\’t competing for the title, Red Bull\’s competitors engaged in reviewing the regulations. As per Kravitz, Mercedes attempted to determine exactly how the regulations around restarting a race should be interpreted so that full points are given.

Also Read Lewis Hamilton’s Win Now Depends On The WEATHER In Japanese GP! Qualifying Showed True Colors For Mercedes