Max Verstappen has hailed his second Formula 1 World Championship as 'crazy' amid the late stewards call at the Japanese Grand Prix to penalise Charles Leclerc. The Ferrari driver finished ahead of Sergio Perez on track, however as the pair battled towards the end Leclerc cut the chicane at the final corner which earned him a five-second time penalty for leaving the track and gaining an advantage. The post-race penalty meant Verstappen clinched the title, as full points were also awarded following the earlier red flag stoppage. "It's crazy, very mixed emotions. What a year we've had, so far, it's been incredible," Verstappen told media in the aftermath of the race. "It's something I could have never imagined from from happening after last year already, fighting until the end and then having such a good car again this year. "I'm so thankful to everyone who has been contributing to the success, the whole team who's here. "But also back at the factory [those] who are constantly working flat out, they're never missing any motivation to try and make the car faster."
Verstappen praises Honda
With Suzuka being the home race for Japanese engine manufacturer Honda, Verstappen praised the work of the power unit supplier after the Red Bull announced a strengthening of their partnerships heading into the weekend. "The work we've done together with Honda, all the way through, you know, every year just constantly improving rapidly. "To win twice with them it's very emotional, especially here with everyone watching gives you a little bit more pressure, but it's good pressure, it's positive pressure. We're very proud we could do it here."
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