Max Verstappen: I can keep this going

Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen with the Japanese GP winner’s trophy

Max Verstappen said he was capable of dominating Formula One for years to come after clinching his second straight world title at the Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday. The Red Bull driver won a dramatic, rain-shortened race in Suzuka and claimed the championship when his nearest rival Charles Leclerc was relegated to third by a five-second penalty.

‘Crazy feeling'

The flying Dutchman said it was a "crazy feeling" to lift the trophy for a second time - then set his sights on ruling the sport for years to come. "If I have a competitive car, I'm confident that we can keep this going," said the 25-year-old, who has won 12 of 18 races this season. "It also depends on what the competition is going to come up with. I really believe in this group and I really hope that in the coming years we can enjoy a lot more wins and potentially of course championships."

Verstappen leads the pack across the wet Suzuka track yesterday. Pic/AFP

Verstappen was only informed he had retained his title midway through the post-race TV interview, and even the driver himself was not sure. Ferrari's Leclerc crossed the line second in front of Red Bull's Sergio Perez, but he was hit with a penalty after squeezing Perez in the final chicane and being deemed to have gained an advantage by leaving the track. The amended result gave Verstappen an unassailable 113-point lead over Perez and made him only the third driver after Michael Schumacher and Sebastian Vettel to clinch the title with four races to spare. "I was told I was the world champion, we celebrated and then people told me ‘no, you're still missing a point'," he said of the post-race confusion. "Eventually we had enough points, so we were world champion again."

Chaotic start

The race got off to a chaotic start in heavy rain. Leclerc was quicker off the line than pole sitter Verstappen, who admitted he made "a terrible start", before the Dutchman regained the lead with a brave overtake on Turn One.

Also Read: Max Verstappen: Rain will spice it up

Drivers world championship positions (Top 5)

1) Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing - 366 pts
2) Sergio Perez, Red Bull Racing - 253 pts
3) Charles Leclerc, Ferrari - 252 pts
4) George Russell, Mercedes - 207 pts
5) Carlos Sainz, Ferrari - 202 pts

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