Following the previous Grand Prix in Singapore, Formula 1 moved onto the second of its Asian double-header last weekend for the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka. As often happens in Japan, heavy rain greeted the drivers on race day, with the race being halted after just two laps of action to allow conditions to improve. Once we did get some racing, Max Verstappen surprised nobody by leading from the front and pulling away to record another dominant win to seal the 2022 F1 World Drivers’ Championship. But there was confusion immediately after the race over whether the Dutchman had actually won the title, with many not expecting full points to be awarded as the race only ran to 28 of 53 scheduled laps. However, F1 rules stipulate that any Grand Prix that is restarted after a suspension does carry full championship points, resulting in a disbelieving Verstappen being told he had indeed won his second title. But with teams, drivers and commentators all unsure of the correct protocol, does this regulation need simplifying? Joining Michael Butterworth to discuss all the key issues from the Japanese Grand Prix is Dieter Rencken, Editorial Director of RacingNews365.com . There was also controversy early in the race, as Pierre Gasly came at high speed upon a recovery vehicle that was on track to clear Carlos Sainz’s stricken Ferrari. With the situation eerily reminiscent of an incident at Suzuka in 2014 in which Jules Bianchi struck a recovery vehicle and ultimately succumbed to his injuries, how and why was this allowed to happen again? And with almost all the drivers discarding the mandated Wet tyres as soon as possible, do Pirelli need to change the construction of the tyre to give it a wider operating window? All this and more on this episode of the RacingNews365.com F1 podcast!
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