Verstappen retains F1 world title after Japan GP win, Leclerc suffers five-second penalty down second to third place

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen of the Netherlands celebrates his win during the Japanese Formula One Grand Prix at the Suzuka Circuit in Suzuka, central Japan, Sunday, Oct. 9, 2022. Verstappen secured his second consecutive Formula One drivers' championship. - AP

SUZUKA, Japan, Oct 9, 2022 (AFP): Max Verstappen was declared Formula One world champion Sunday after winning a dramatic rain-shortened Japanese Grand Prix.

Red Bull's Verstappen crossed the line first and he was then awarded the title when second-place finisher Charles Leclerc was given a five-second penalty, dropping him to third.