A rain soaked, thrilling race has come to an end with a new Champion on the podium. The brilliant Max Verstappen has sealed his second World Champion title. After what seemed like a missed opportunity, a 5-second penalty given to Charles Leclerc for going off track and keeping advantage pushed Verstappen ahead in the standings. 

Sergio Perez has finished in second and Charles Leclerc in third. The points secured by Verstappen and the lack of points achieved by Leclerc due to the penalty in this race puts Verstappen far in the lead from Sergio Perez and Charles Leclerc ultimately crowning him as World Champion before the end of the season. He heads into the last four races of the season with an unassailable lead and although he has mathematically secured the championship, his performance this season speaks for itself making his 2 time championship title well deserved. 

A delayed race with multiple obstacles, including Carlos Sainz crashing out in lap 1, closely finished in the stipulated 3 hours.

Starting at pole position, the start of his race told a story of what to expect from the dutchman and he definitely did not disappoint. 

In regards to his 2nd Championship title, Verstappen has stated; “The first one is more emotional but the second is definitely more beautiful,” and it truly was seeing an early securing of the title compared to last year's final race. 

Although a champion has been crowned, the season continues with four races left. The Aramco United States Grand Prix gets under way in 2 weeks on the weekend of the 21st to the 23rd of October. 

Kayla Barker/OFM Sport