There was confusion and bewilderment all around after a shortened Japanese Grand Prix. After Charles Leclerc' s five-second penalty for cutting off Sergio Perez, Max Verstappen was suddenly declared world champion. However, the points tally for suspended races seemed to contradict that. But what is the actual situation? GPBlog explains.

The closing stages of the Japanese Grand Prix provided a bizarre twist. After a strong victory on a rain-soaked Suzuka, Verstappen appeared before ex F1 driver and Sky Sports analyst Johnny Herbert's microphone to share his initial post-race reaction after winning from first place.

Just as teammate Perez was speaking, however, the Dutchman was suddenly called back and all sorts of graphics came into view that Verstappen had become world champion. This was because, just at that moment, the FIA had awarded a five-second penalty to Leclerc for cutting the chicane in battle with Perez. This turned his second place into third, making it impossible for Verstappen to be overtaken in the championship.

Leclerc has been handed a 5-second penalty for cutting the chicane at the end

That means Perez now finishes second, Leclerc drops to third #JapaneseGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/Tj3iQXmYk4

— Formula 1 (@F1) October 9, 2022

Half points?

At least, that was the story of the FIA and Formula 1. Despite the race being shortened due to rain, the organisers awarded full points. In the past, however, races with less than 75% covered were rewarded with half points.

However, the rain-soaked 2021 Spa Grand Prix changed that with a completely new, tiered system. Under the new rules, at least 75% of the race must be covered to be awarded full points. But even under the new rules, at least 75% of the race must be completed to award full points.

Normal finish

In all the chaos of calculation, however, many journalists and analysts had momentarily forgotten to consult the regulations. In fact, the reduced points system did not apply to the race at Suzuka at all. This is because the article in the regulations in question can only be used for races that cannot be restarted. Since the race in Japan thus did restart and also ended under a finish flag under normal circumstances, this is not the case. So the distance covered during the Grand Prix was not relevant at all.

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."

There we have it! #F1 #JapaneseGP

— Luke Smith (@LukeSmithF1) October 9, 2022

As a result, the FIA could simply award full points. This could also be seen earlier in the live intermediate points standings during the race, which were therefore just right all along. So with 25 points for Verstappen and only 12 for title rival Leclerc, a second title was finally secured for the Dutchman in Japan.