There was much confusion and disbelief at Red Bull Racing when it was announced that Max Verstappen could still add a second world title to his already impressive career thanks to his win in Japan. Team boss Christian Horner said afterwards that he was surprised and they were not sure full points were handed out.

The Japanese Grand Prix looked set to go largely dry earlier, but the rain made for a chaotic start that eventually led to a red flag. In the end, no less than forty minutes were still driven and Verstappen crossed the line as the winner. Leclerc finished second, but fell back to place three due to a time penalty, giving Sergio Perez second place. Verstappen and Red Bull did not assume a world title because the FIA 's race organisers would count with half points and he would be one point short. This turned out to be different in the regulations after all, allowing Verstappen to secure his second title after all. This to the amazement of team boss Horner.

In Red Bull Racing's press release after the race, the proud team boss reacted to the bizarre race:"What a race! Coming to the end, we were not sure we would be awarded full points, but to finish like that is beyond all of our wildest dreams."

Special

Verstappen has been dominant all season and again on Sunday during the race, the Dutchman managed to increase his lead by a whopping 27 seconds over the number two. This win is also very special for Horner: "That is our 14th victory which is a record for the team and exemplifies how he and the team have raised it to the next level at every race", said the Red Bull team boss. Horner added to being incredibly proud and grateful for all the hard work of Verstappen and the team, both on track and in Milton Keynes, and also thanked all the partners for their help in making this possible. "To achieve this Championship is truly special and to do it here in Japan with Honda makes it even more special."

Verstappen's teammate Perez also proved indispensable to Verstappen again this race and Horner says he is also impressed with the Mexican's season so far. "He is 2nd in the Championship and we are all working hard to keep him there. Equally, we are working to bring home the Constructor Championship after eight long years. So the season isn’t over by a long shot, there is still a lot of racing still to do and we are looking forward to getting back to it in Austin.”