
Verstappen hails "very special" Japanese title triumph
F1 News
Verstappen hails "very special" Japanese title triumph

Max Verstappen conceded it was "very special" to clinch his second world championship in front of the passionate Japanese Grand Prix crowd.
The Red Bull driver dominated the curtailed race at Suzuka but with second-placed Charles Leclerc penalised for his last corner move in defence against Sergio Perez, Verstappen was declared champion.
The penalty for leaving the track and gaining an advantage was issued after Verstappen had completed his the parc fermé interview, with the Dutchman ushered back towards the microphone after the news was confirmed.
There was added value to clinching the championship at Suzuka, given Red Bull's ties to Honda and the absence of the Japanese GP en route to Vestappen's first triumph.
As the crowds roared, a surprised Verstappen responded: “Well, what can I say? Incredible, of course! Very special also to do it here in front of all the Japanese fans. Incredible.”
The race had been started in wet conditions but stopped after just two laps after Carlos Sainz crashed into the barriers and caused a safety car, which eventually led to a red flag as rain intensified.
The race was re-started after a delay of over two hours, with the time limit of three hours being hit with the race just passing the half-distance mark.
But with the race finishing under green flag conditions, this was enough for full points to be awarded and give Verstappen the championship.
He added: “I am just very happy that we got to race at the end. It was raining quite heavily and it is just really tough for us to drive at the moment. Luckily we got quite a good amount of laps in.
“The car was flying in the inter conditions as well. Very happy to win here and also the fans, who stuck around, it was getting a bit dark at the end but very happy we could race here.”
“I was just very happy that we had a race. Leaving here without the race would have been terrible.”
Related news

Vettel reveals series of errors as F1 'gets lucky'

'Horrific' Suzuka incident "unquestionably unacceptable" - Brundle

Mercedes claim Suzuka crane repeat "impossible" to rule out

Hamilton acclaim for Suzuka test - "That is what motor racing is about"
Most read

Helmet cams become mandatory for all 20 drivers after F1 deal struck

F1 LIVE - Williams reserve driver departs

Verstappen fires Ricciardo warning as Red Bull sense Mercedes problems - GPFans F1 Recap

Ricciardo warned off by Verstappen after Red Bull return

Verstappen set for Ferrari drive? Red Bull star on the hunt
F1 Standings

Races
-
Gulf Air Grand Prix of Bahrain 2023
-
Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2023
-
Grand Prix of Australia 2023
-
Grand Prix of China 2023
-
Grand Prix of Azerbaijan 2023
-
Miami Grand Prix 2023
-
Pirelli Gran Premio Del Made In Italy E Dell'emilia Romagna 2023
-
Grand Prix of Monaco 2023
-
Grand Prix of Spain 2023
-
Grand Prix of Canada 2023
-
Grand Prix of Austria 2023
-
Grand Prix of Great Britain 2023
-
Grand Prix of Hungary 2023
-
Grand Prix of Belgium 2023
-
Heineken Dutch Grand Prix 2023
-
Grand Prix of Italy 2023
-
Grand Prix of Singapore 2023
-
Grand Prix of Japan 2023
-
Qatar Grand Prix 2023
-
Grand Prix of the United States 2023
-
Gran Premio de la Ciudad de Mexico 2023
-
Grand Prix of Brazil 2023
-
Las Vegas Grand Prix 2023
-
Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi 2023
About GPFans
GPFans is a multi-platform, multi-language brand dedicated to Formula One coverage. We bring you all the ins and outs of the sport, 24/7, everything from up-to-the-minute news and features to the latest viral stories and clips.We believe that a new generation of exciting, outspoken drivers will make F1 more popular than ever before, and we want to give our users access to as much of their heroes as possible, on and off the track. From Lewis Hamilton to Max Verstappen, Daniel Ricciardo to Sebastian Vettel, we provide in-depth analysis of every every Grand Prix in the season, from Australia to Abu Dhabi.
With Formula One under the new ownership of Liberty Media, how the sport is being covered is evolving, and GPFans will look to be at the heart of this progression into new media, as one of the fastest-growing sites covering the king of motorsports.
Follow us on your favorite social media channel
Corporate & Media

7007 CD, Doetinchem, Netherlands
+31645516860