Formula 1, Max Verstappen becomes two-time world champion: Key stats
Max Verstappen won the Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday to claim the Formula 1 championship honor. Verstappen finished ahead of team-mate Sergio Perez and Ferrari's Charles Leclerc in the controversial rain-hit Japanese GP at the Suzuka Circuit. Only 28 laps were possible out of a scheduled 53. Verstappen has claimed his second successive world championship honor. Here we decode his career stats.
Why does this story matter?
Verstappen dominated the 2022 F1 season in style. After Charles Leclerc's early domination, Verstappen took over and made sure he kept the intensity going. His consistency and vision made the difference as Leclerc's challenge fizzled out. With Red Bull Racing having the best car out this season, Verstappen drove like a champion throughout with less errors on offer. It's a massive moment for him.
Verstappen's performance in the 2022 season
Verstappen sealed his 12th race win in the 2022 Formula 1 season. His wins have come at the Saudi Arabian GP, Emilia Romagna GP, Miami GP, Spanish GP, Azerbaijan GP, Canadian GP, French GP, Hungarian GP, Belgian GP, Dutch GP, Italian GP, and Japanese GP. Besides, Verstappen also has 14 podium finishes this year (highest). He finished third in Monaco and second in Austria.
366 points for Verstappen so far this season
Verstappen has collected 366 points this season, 113 ahead of second-placed Perez, who has 253 points. Leclerc has 252 points and is placed third ahead of Mercedes' George Russell (207) and Ferrari's Carlos Sainz (202). With Verstappen and Perez among the top two, Red Bull have also dominated the Constructors. Red Bull top the billing with 619 points with Ferrari a distant second (454).
74 career podium finishes and 32 race wins
Verstappen sealed his 74th career podium finish on Sunday, besides racing to his 32nd win in total. With 32 race wins on board, the Dutchman has equaled the tally of Fernando Alonso. Verstappen now has the joint-sixth highest race wins. He steered clear of former F1 legend Nigel Mansell (31 wins).
Crunch numbers!
Versappen has joined a unique club
Versappen has joined a unique club in Formula 1 history. He is now the 11th driver to win successive world champion titles in F1. Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso, Sebastian Vettel, Michael Schumacher, Mika Hakkinen, Aryton Senna, Alain Prost, Jack Brabham, Juan Manuel Fangio, and Alberto Ascari are the drivers to have attained this feat.
Key records scripted by Verstappen in Japanese GP 2022
As per F1, Verstappen became the second driver to seal the drivers' championship at Japanese GP since Sebastian Vettel in 2011. Verstappen needs one more win to match the single-season record set by Schumacher in 2004 and Vettel in 2013 (13). Verstappen led a lap for the first time at Suzuka. He also surpassed 5,000 miles in the lead in his career today.
