Max Verstappen was left amused by the points confusion that ultimately saw him clinch a second Formula 1 title in Japan.
Heavy rain limited the race to just 28 laps at Suzuka, a little over half the planned distance. As a result, the expectation was the FIA’s new reduced points system introduced after the events of Spa in 2021 would be implemented for the first time.
Even Verstappen admitted he thought his wait for the championship would have to go on to Austin.
“During the race, I had no clue what they were going to decide with the points,” he explained. “The main target was to win the race.
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“But once I crossed the line, I was like – okay, that was an amazing race, good points again, but not world champion yet.
“When I did my interview after the race, then suddenly my mechanics started to cheer, and I was like, what’s going on?
“Then I realised Checo [Sergio Perez] was second instead of Charles [Leclerc], but I still didn’t know if it was full points or half points or whatever, 75 per cent, I don’t know how you do it.
“Then you read through the rules, and Tom [Wood, FIA media delegate] came to me and he said that I was the world champion. So then we celebrated, and then people were telling me no, you’re still missing a point.
“I was like, that’s a bit weird, but eventually, we had enough points, so then we were world champion again!
“Champion? Not Champion?” ?
Even Max had to be convinced! ?#JapaneseGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/kiJXb283RN
— Formula 1 (@F1) October 9, 2022
“To be honest, I don’t mind that it was a little bit confusing,” he insisted. “I find it actually quite funny because at the end of the day, it’s not going to change the result.”
The confusion came because the wording of the regulation states that the reduced points system is used in the event a race is suspended and cannot be restarted.
But in the case of Suzuka, the race did resume and ended with the chequered flag when the three-hour race window closed.
This meant the FIA determined full points would be awarded, confirming Verstappen as the world champion.
Asked about the situation, Red Bull boss Christian Horner admits it was an oversight that needs to be corrected.
“I think it’s a mistake that wasn’t included after the issues in Spa last year, that the regulations obviously haven’t been mopped up,” he said.
“We were under the strong impression that only with 75 per cent of the race would full points be scored, so we felt we were going to be one point short.
“I accept the way the FIA has interpreted it [today]. Let’s review, let’s discuss – but I will not go to any conclusion today on that,” Horner added.
“It’s a detail, and it’s something we need to clarify as well for the future what is the true intention.
“I need to double check with our sporting guys: what was the clear understanding, and what has been the conclusion and the way that it has been written and interpreted compared to the intention.”