Max Verstappen described his second Formula 1 championship as “more beautiful” after a “pretty special” 2022 season.
The Dutchman secured back-to-back titles with a dominant victory at the Japanese Grand Prix, winning the rain-shortened race by 27 seconds, the largest margin of victory in any F1 race at Suzuka.
His coronation was only confirmed after a confusing sequence of events as Charles Leclerc was penalised five seconds for an incident with Sergio Perez at the final chicane on the final lap, dropping him to third.
Then the FIA announced full points would be awarded despite only completing just over half-race distance because the regulation states a reduced points system will be used “in the event of race suspension that cannot be resumed”.
“It’s crazy. Very mixed emotions. What a year we’ve had, so far, it’s been incredible,” was Verstappen’s first reaction to becoming a double world champion. “It’s something I could have never imagined.
Max Verstappen, you are a DOUBLE WORLD CHAMPION ?? pic.twitter.com/mViZ5woEit
— Oracle Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) October 9, 2022
“I think the first one is always a little more emotional, but the second one is probably even more beautiful.
“The season we’ve had with the wins, the great races, the teamwork, the 1-2s we’ve had, it’s been a pretty special year and it’s something you really have to remind yourself of because these kinds of years you don’t have very often.”
Verstappen was also pleased to secure the championship on F1’s return to Japan, home to Red Bull’s engine partner Honda.
“To win twice with them it’s very emotional,” he said. “The work we’ve done together with Honda, all the way through, you know, every year just constantly improving rapidly.
“Especially here with everyone watching gives you a little bit more pressure. But it’s good pressure, it’s positive pressure. We’re very proud we could do it here.”
ありがとう鈴鹿 ? Time to go and celebrate! ? pic.twitter.com/tZs7n9bzCT
— Oracle Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) October 9, 2022
And with one title now official, Verstappen wants to concentrate on clinching the other, which has alluded Red Bull since 2013.
“We’re leading the Constructors’, so we really want to focus on that as well to try to secure that,” he confirmed.
The first opportunity to do that will come at the US Grand Prix later this month.