Verstappen title bid in Japan delayed by red flag

Drivers and teams wait for the resumption of the race in the rain, during the Japanese Formula One Grand Prix at the Suzuka Circuit in Suzuka, central Japan, Sunday, Oct. 9, 2022. - AP

SUZUKA, Japan, Oct 9, 2022 (AFP): The Japanese Grand Prix was red flagged in heavy rain on the third lap Sunday, delaying Max Verstappen's bid to clinch his second straight world title.

Verstappen was leading Charles Leclerc of Ferrari, with Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez behind in third when a safety car came out on the first lap before the race was halted soon after.