Max Verstappen won the Japanese Grand Prix to become a worthy world champion for 2022.
In a very difficult and wet grand prix, with a start delayed by more than one hour, the Flying Dutchman did his duty once again to power away from the rest of the field and win the race from teammate Sergio Perez, in second spot, this after Charles Leclerc was given a penalty for going off the track.
Leclerc finished third after a very good drive under appalling conditions.
Leclerc’s teammate, Carlos Sainz was unfortunately eliminated during the first start.
In fourth position was Esteban Ocon who was hounded by Lewis Hamilton for the second half of the race, yet he kept the Brit behind him despite his many determined attempts to pass and valiantly held onto his fourth spot, less than a second ahead at the flag.
Two former world champions, Sebastian Vettel and Fernando Alonso, came across the line close together, six seconds behind Hamilton in sixth and seventh positions respectively, while young George Russell finished just a second behind Alonso in eighth place, with some very close and hard fought racing.
After a 23 second gap came Nicholas Latifi and Lando Norris, almost side by side in ninth and tenth positions.
Poor Daniel Ricciardo finished eleventh, without a point and it seems, without a drive next year.
This seems a very hard pill to swallow for the very popular Australian. I hope he finds an appropriate challenge for his very good ability as a driver.
Although the championship itself is over there are four races to go to sort out all the finishing positions and the manufacturers championship.
I am sure that Verstappen will still try his very best to win every race, so let us hope for some more exciting events to come.
In two weeks’ time we move to Austin in Texas for the United States Grand Prix, a week later, Mexico two weeks later Brazil, then a final week’s gap for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on November 20.
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