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Formula 1 Japanese GP

F1 Japanese GP Live Commentary and Updates - Race day

Minute-by-minute updates for the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka

Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing RB18

A week after Singapore, Suzuka also returns to the calendar following a three-year absence, where Max Verstappen can claim a second F1 world title if he is 112 points clear of second place in the standings at the chequered flag.

The Red Bull driver starts on pole for Sunday's race, having escaped a penalty after a near-miss with Norris at 130R as both drivers came to prepare for their opening laps in the final stage of qualifying.

He will line up ahead of the Ferrari pair of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, with Red Bull's Sergio Perez joining the latter on the second row.

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Leclerc went off! He crossed the line ahead of Perez, but he went deep into the final chicane and cut across the Red Bull driver!
Ocon keeps Hamilton at bay for fourth, as Vettel JUST holds off Alonso for sixth with the barest of margins!
Vettel and Alonso in a photo finish at the line but it looks like Vettel has his nose ahead to keep hold of sixth place!
Russell was eighth, Latifi gets his first points of the year in ninth, and Norris completes the top 10.
Breaking news
The Leclerc/Perez incident has been noted for leaving the track and gaining an advantage.
Stopwatch
Fastest lap for Zhou, his 1m44.411s a mere 0.001s clear of Alonso's best lap.
Penalty
Five-second penalty for Leclerc - there's a swift decision. Perez thus takes second, and Leclerc third.
You'd think, with all of the processing power in the F1 paddock, someone might be able to work out if Verstappen's won the title in all of this. Get someone an abacus.
So according to the rules, the points distribution for shorter race distances applies if the race didn't resume. It seems it did, so we've got full points...so Max Verstappen appears to be a two-time world champion! This confusion sums the day up, doesn't it?
From the makers of "is that Glock?" comes the new film: "Is Max world champion?"
Breaking news
From the FIA: "The rules regarding the reduced points allocation (article 6.5) only apply in the event of race suspension that cannot be resumed, and therefore full points are awarded and Max Verstappen is World Champion."
Breaking news
And here's the report from the Japanese Grand Prix - essential reading for anyone who needs some clarification!:  https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/f1-japanese-gp-verstappen-crowned-world-champion-in-bizarre-circumstances/10382008/
So, let's wrap up - because the only thing that's clear is that everything is very unclear. Max Verstappen IS the 2022 F1 world champion, and the winner of a Japanese Grand Prix that was quite...unconventional.
One thing I'd be curious about is if Verstappen crossed the line before the timer went out. Not that it matters, I just reckon it ended a lap too soon.
A comedy of errors today, but we really appreciate you joining us so early - it's certainly been a day! We'll see you in a couple of weeks' time for the US Grand Prix - have a good one!

By: autosport.com

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