Confusion and anger as Verstappen wins second F1 title
Oct.10 - Confusion, danger, anger and intrigue set the scene at Suzuka as Max Verstappen splashed to his second consecutive drivers' title win.
The entire F1 world thought the Dutchman had just fallen short of the points he needed to wrap up the championship with a full four grands prix still to run in 2022.
"We only heard it when the circuit announcer said it," laughed Red Bull's Dr Helmut Marko.
Race winner and 2022 F1 World Drivers Champion Max Verstappen celebrates in parc ferme during the 2022 F1 Grand Prix of Japan (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
Team boss Christian Horner added: "I didn't realise until Jenson Button said it. We thought Max had missed it by a point."
Indeed, insiders were unanimous that Verstappen would only get half-points at the chequered flag of the initially-delayed and red-flagged Japanese GP.
"I still didn't know if it was full point, half points or whatever," Verstappen, 25, said.
"But then of course they read through the rules and the FIA came to me and said that I was world champion. We then celebrated and people were still telling me no, you're still missing a point.
"It was a bit weird but honestly, I find it quite funny because at the end of the day, it's not going to change the result in the end, right?"
Many fans of the sport complained that the race management overall in 2022 has been sub-standard.
"If you don't write enough rules, it's not good," Verstappen said. "If you write too many rules, it's also no good.
"It's always really hard to find a middle ground."
However, Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto - who did not travel to Japan - was scathing of the way the FIA issued a near-instant penalty for a last-lap defensive move by Charles Leclerc that ultimately got Verstappen's points tally over the line.
"How fast the FIA took the decision, when in Singapore it took them a lifetime for (Sergio) Perez, was ridiculous and unacceptable," he told Sky Italia.
"This time they didn't even listen to the drivers. I think this race management is not good. We need to change in order to not lose credibility."
The F1 drivers, meanwhile, lashed out at the FIA after a furious Pierre Gasly came across a recovery vehicle while he was still doing 250kph upon the waving of the red flag in treacherous conditions.
The governing body said it has launched a "thorough review", with the late Jules Bianchi's father Philippe admitting the incident left him with "a lot - a lot - of anger".
"I think I'm going to write a letter to the FIA because I don't want this to continue. I don't want another incident like this tomorrow," he is quoted by RMC.
Fernando Alonso said: "I think it was a difficult weekend for everyone, also the FIA.
"Max is world champion at the end? That sums up what this Sunday was like," he said.
"But Red Bull is the best team and Max is the best driver. He's in another category and together they became an almost invincible machine."
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So if a driver overshoots a corner in the wet and even if it's his first offence he'll get a 5 second penalty, FIA are a joke, just trying to give MV his crown before the delayed financial report gets released.
I dont know what series you watch.
It has always been the case where a driver cuts the track and retains their position from a car following closeley behind it's either give up the position or a 5 second penalty.
Here because LEC blocked PER and the finish line was right there the only penalty available was 5 secs.
No it always been the case, cars often overshoot and don't get penalties. It was a first offence and in the wet. I don't think you watch any series, other than tele tubbies maybe
Missed a key word. Should read NO IT HASN'T always....
Yes my baby Charles's fan, this is the rule, for everyone that get cut cheating ( except LULU ) 5 sec. That's all.
Whenever a driver cuts across off the track they have to give up a position if they come out in front of the closeley following car.
It was clear the only appropriate penalty was 5 secs as the finish line was right there. You cannot cut part of the track and retain the position.
Binotto knows that.
Whats the fuss Max would win the WDC at the next race anyway
Les, understand that Awardguy has nothing to cheer about Sir Lewis and so now has become a rules arbitrator. Your observations are correct. In addition, the rules are very clear about full points if the race resumes after a red flag and so the VER WDC is the correct call.
As Max said, "they read through the rules and the FIA came to me and said that I was world champion."
IMO that statement only highlights the ultra poor management skills the FIA have displayed this season. The governing body don't know the rules on which they must adjudicate! I would have considered it mandatory that they acquaint themselves with the subject rules as it became evident to all concerned that this situation would probably arise at the conclusion of the two hours race time.
Exceptionally poor management. Those responsible should be dismissed and disqualified from any further race management roles in the future.
Smokey, you are correct on the management issue, but the rules are so extensive and convoluted that it is very difficult to properly enforce them. If you have a full spare day read the rule book. It is laughable.
Thanks, ROR,I did act on your suggestion, and today read some of the current regulations.
Now I am no great mathematician, but even I know that 28 does not constitute more than 75% of 53!
I mean, the race was scheduled to run for 53 laps, and Max completed 28 laps which is more than 50% and less than 75% of the distance. According to the regs, Max should have been awarded 19 points, however, he was awarded 25 points, which contradicts the regulations.
I agree that Max would have won the WDC this season anyway, but it looks strange for it to happen as it did.
You must have missed the below (like many others).
Here is the relevant quote of Article 6.5 of the FIA sporting regulations:
"If a race is suspended in accordance with Article 57, and cannot be resumed,"
The ´and cannot be resumed´ part is the relevant part. It also leaves no room for interpretation. The race in Japan was resumed and must get full points awarded according to the article.
Now, is this a silly rule? Arguable Yes.
Should it be changed? Sure. In my opinion it does not matter much one way or another. But as it is, the article is only relevant for shortened races that are not resumed.
Well done to Nooooo, Michael, Noooooooooooo for redrafting the rules to ensure a swift WDC Victory for Sir (The Order of the Lion of the Netherlands) Max and his budget busting team Rb, blah blah blah, like Rb are fussed anyway, reminding everyone why Rb MAY have overspent-- Crasher Mercedes drivers...!!, and not forgetting those super talented Sakura guys, again putting Euro engines to shame , That guy is a legend, Mercedes should hire him, as for F9, Yes demoted again for whinging, and Mr Curly, haha come on, its a losing battle, that you've already lost, onwards and upwards though heh
Let me know when all the anger, confusion and whatever is over, Max drove a brilliant race all season. He deserves to win the Championship. Leclerc is a good driver but he hasn’t reached championship status. Only time will tell. He makes too many errors and chokes under pressure. Ferrari has made great strides to improve their car but their decisions on the wall are too embarrassing to win a championship. This has been a great racing season. More excitement than the last few years. All the teams have come along way. Hopefully, that continues in the coming seasons. Would like to see less drama from the drivers and team principals and more improved driving and cars.
Susan, IMO (which doesn't count for much) your post is brilliant and spot on. My big concern is what the whiners will find to focus on now that the season is well and truly over. Well, except for the WCC which will happen in the Americas.
I believe Charlie even alluded to sliding wide at that corner in post race interview, blaming the wet track, he knew what was coming , saying that and the ramifications of it, SP is driving very well, the pressure he put on Charlie- Top Draw, 4 races left, I cant wait.
Unnecessary messy for something that isn't rocket science.
Unnecessarily
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