Schumacher thanks Perez: 'He gave Verstappen the championship'

Max Verstappen became the F1 champion for the second time in Japan. The announcement came in a somewhat gnarly fashion after a chaotic finale. Ralf Schumacher sees two key points that allowed Verstappen to secure the title in Japan.

The rain race in Japan ended up lasting only 40 minutes due to a long red flag, but in those 40 minutes, Verstappen seemed unbeatable. The turbulent start and all the rain made for a chaotic Sunday afternoon in Japan, but Verstappen managed to stay sharp from moment one and secured the title with the help of teammate Sergio Perez.

Schumacher thanks Perez for Verstappen title

At least, that is what German six-time GP winner Ralph Schumacher says to Speedweek.com: "It was first Verstappen's counterattack in the first corner against Charles Leclerc's attack. Verstappen managed to stay in front of him and drive away. In these conditions, with all that spray, that was great for him." Secondly, Schumacher pats Perez on the back. As in the last race of 2021, in which Verstappen took his first title, the Mexican played an important role.

Schumacher: "We must not forget Sergio Perez. He finally made him world champion with his attack on Leclerc at the last corner, which resulted in a penalty for the Ferrari driver. Last year Max became world champion on the last lap, now on the last corner." Schumacher concludes by saying that the regulations are too tricky even for the bright minds at Red Bull Racing, which is why there was ambiguity about the title. "There must be a mini-article in there somewhere that jettisons the whole points system when the race has restarted."