Red Bull driver Max Verstappen clinched his 2nd consecutive Formula One drivers’ title by winning the Japanese Grand Prix in the rain at Suzuka. Verstappen has been dominant all season and claimed the title with 4 races remaining on the 22-race calendar.
Verstappen, still in the dark about the decision, initially apologized to the crowd on the track’s public address system just after the race.Seconds later, television coverage declared him the season champion, and crew members and friends suffocated him with hugs.
From the pole, Verstappen took the lead with a risky pass after a slow start, but several cars further back lost control including Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz, who spun and was knocked out. Chinese driver Zhou Guanyu also had a dramatic spin but continued. Verstappen has had it going all season. He’s been the best driver, in the best car, with the best team. The only blemish is last year’s controversial title, taking the season championship in the final race — on the last lap — ahead of seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes.
Some of the modern-era drivers who have won at least two in a row include Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel, Fernando Alonso, Michael Schumacher, Ayrton Senna, and Alain Prost. Famous drivers like Jackie Stewart and Nelson Piquet won multiple titles, but never back-to-back.
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