Max Verstappen becomes a two-time F1 world champion as he wins in a rain-soaked Japan Grand Prix

Max Verstappen is a two-time F1 world champion after a delayed-but-dramatic Japanese Grand Prix due to wet weather.

Verstappen won the race by over 15 seconds to reaffirm his dominance over the the field at Suzuka.

Charles Leclerc’s error crowns Max Verstappen as champion

Despite victory, Verstappen was awarded the title after his championship rival Charles Leclerc finished outside the top two.

Leclerc had initially crossed the line ahead of Verstappen’s Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez – with the Ferrari driver defending very aggressively to hold on to second place.

However, the Monegasque was handed a five-second time penalty for cutting the chicane on the last lap which demoted him to third behind Perez, meaning Verstappen took the championship.

Suzuka sees an early red flag

The race initially started at lights out, but after Carlos Sainz’s shunt and Pierre Gasly collecting debris, the race was red-flagged for the foreseeable future.

Hours had passed as treacherous conditions rain-soaked the Suzuka circuit postponing the start by over two hours.

As a result, only 45 minutes of race time was permitted as Verstappen led the field away on wet tyres.

The field then changed onto intermediate tyres a few laps into the resumption as there was limited action due to the conditions. 

Max Verstappen is crowned champion with four rounds remaining.

By Daniel Baverstock