Verstappen Takes 2nd Straight Drivers’ Title With Japan Win

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen of the Netherlands celebrates after winning the Japanese Formula One Grand Prix at the Suzuka Circuit in Suzuka, central Japan, on Oct. 9, 2022. Toru Hanai/AP Photo

SUZUKA, Japan—Max Verstappen is now a two-time Formula One world champion, both titles awarded under bizarre and unprecedented circumstances long after he crossed the finish line.

The Red Bull driver won the rain-shortened Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday and didn’t learn he was champion until F1’s governing body penalized Charles Leclerc after the race.