After dominating a Japanese Grand Prix that was cut short by heavy rain, Max Verstappen earned a second victory in remarkable circumstances.
After Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, who finished second, was fined for cutting the track and gaining an advantage on the final lap, Verstappen led Sergio Perez in a Red Bull one-two.
Because it was not immediately clear whether full points would be awarded for a race that was little over half the distance, there was uncertainty following the race as to whether Verstappen had accomplished enough to tie up the championship.
Reduced points, according to governing body the FIA, only apply if a race that has been suspended cannot be restarted.
Even Verstappen asked: “Are you sure?” when he was told he was champion, reflecting the historical precedent that reduced points are awarded in such circumstances.
But it appears that this procedure was unintentionally overlooked when the rules were revised last winter in response to the contentious Belgian Grand Prix, where a result was announced even though no racing had taken place.
However, there can be no doubts about the legitimacy of Verstappen’s title because he won his 12th race of the season by dominating the field in his Red Bull vehicle, the same way he has done to seize the championship lead.
After a crash on the opening lap, there was a stir about authorities sending a rescue vehicle onto the circuit while the cars were still moving.