Max Verstappen quipped that he felt “terrible” ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday, which saw him claim his second world championship.
The Dutchman claimed pole position after setting a superb lap in his opening run in the final qualifying session, but the race was set to be a little different.
As the 25-year-old arrived at the racetrack, he was asked how he felt, so he smiled and replied, “terrible.”
Verstappen did not get a perfect start as Charles Leclerc pulled alongside him into Turn One, but the reigning champion held it around the outside to retain the lead.
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The red flag was brought out when Carlos Sainz crashed into the barrier, and during the race suspension, sickening images emerged of a recovery vehicle being sent out on track before the drivers had got past the incident.
Pierre Gasly nearly hit it, and it has led to an investigation from the FIA into how such negligence was allowed to take place, eight years after a recovery vehicle had caused Jules Bianchi’s fatal crash.
Gasly himself has been penalised for speeding at a different part of the circuit.
The race resumed after some running behind the Safety Car, and Verstappen pulled out an astonishing 27-second lead over Charles Leclerc, who crossed the line second.
He did so after cutting the final chicane on the final lap though, and when Perez tried to get through at the final corner, the Monegasque pushed him wide.
READ: Max Verstappen wins 2022 championship in bizarre circumstances
The stewards penalised Leclerc as a result, before ruling that, because the race had not been ended by a red flag, full points could be awarded.
Verstappen therefore beat Leclerc by 10 points, and Perez by seven, crowning him a two-time champion in bizarre fashion.
Four rounds remain of the 2022 season, and Red Bull, with a 165-point lead over Ferrari, still have a Constructors’ Championship to wrap up.