Stefano Domenicali has hailed new Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen as "amazing talent" after he took the title at the Japanese Grand Prix. Verstappen dominated a wet and shortened Suzuka race, but the over the line finishing positions of Verstappen, Leclerc and Perez was not enough to take the title. However, Leclerc was slapped with a five-second penalty for cutting the corner and gaining an advantage at the final chicane on the last lap when under pressure from Perez. This revised order meant Verstappen out-scored Perez by seven points and Leclerc by 10 as the FIA decided full points would be awarded. After some confusion in Parc Ferme, Verstappen was crowned as the 2022 champion, leading to tributes for the Dutch driver.
Domenicali on Verstappen
"Congratulations to Max Verstappen and Red Bull for clinching the Drivers' Championship for 2022," the F1 CEO said. "Max has driven incredibly all season, with no mistakes, and has shown the world again what an amazing talent he is. "Charles [Leclerc], Sergio [Perez], George [Russell], Lewis [Hamilton] and Carlos [Sainz] will be battling to the end to make the top three and we are all looking forward to the next few races." One point separates Perez and Leclerc for second, while Russell, Sainz and Hamilton are battling for third in the standings with four races remaining.
Most read
