In Suzuka, Dutch driver Max Verstappen, piloting the Red Bull, claimed victory at the Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday, the eighteenth round of the Formula One World Championship. The race ran with fewer laps after persistent rain prompted a delayed start, and Verstappen clinched the world title for the second time. Spaniard Fernando Alonso, driving for Alpine, finished seventh, while Carlos Sainz of Ferrari had to retire after a first‑lap incident.
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With four rounds remaining, Verstappen, known as “Mad Max,” reinforced his lead with a twelfth win of the season. The second place finisher, Charles Leclerc of Ferrari, faced a time penalty that dropped him from a potential second to third place after he cut the final chicane, allowing Sergio Pérez of Red Bull to move ahead of him. Leclerc’s late drive left him narrowly behind Pérez as the checkered flag waved.
What followed was a surreal moment as race teams and fans questioned whether Verstappen had mathematically secured the title. According to the rules, full points could not be awarded if 75 percent of the scheduled laps were not completed before the race was halted. Yet, points were distributed, and the event was condensed into a compact 28‑lap sprint after an extended pause caused by rain—creating one of the most unusual Grand Prix afternoons in recent memory.
It all concluded in a race that felt nearly like a 40‑minute sprint. The day began with a lengthy two‑hour delay while rain soaked the Suzuka circuit, testing teams’ strategies and drivers’ nerves alike before the green flag finally waved and the action began anew.
race order
.one. Max Verstappen NED Red Bull 3:01:55.004.
.two. Sergio Perez at MEX Red Bull 27.66
.3. Charles Leclerc MON Ferrari at 31,763
.4. Esteban Ocon at FRA Alpine 39,685
.5. Lewis Hamilton GBR Mercedes at 40:326
.6. Sebastian Vettel GER Aston Martin at 46:358
.7. Fernando Alonso ESP Alp at 46:369
.8. George Russell GBR Mercedes at 47:661
.9. Nicholas Lafiti CAN Williams at 1:10:143
.10. Lando Norris GBR McLaren at 1:10:782
World Cup Ranking
.one. Max Verstappen NED Red Bull 366 points
.two. Sergio Perez MEX Red Bull 253
.3. Charles Leclerc MON Ferrari 252
.4. George Russell GBR Mercedes 207
.5. Carlos Sainz ESP Ferrari 202
.6. Lewis Hamilton GBR Mercedes 180
.7. Lando Norris GBR McLaren 101
.8. Esteban Ocon FRA Alpine 78
.9. Fernando Alonso ESP Alpine 65
10. Valtteri Bottas SON Alfa Romeo 46