Max Verstappen discovered of his 2022 Formula One world title triumph during a television interview after a dramatic end to the Japanese Grand Prix.
Sky Sports pundit Johnny Herbert revealed the news to the Red Bull driver after he won Sunday’s race, which initially appeared to delay his championship coronation after a shortened, rain-hit grand prix.
But a technicality in the rules meant full points were awarded while Charles Leclerc was hit with a five-second time penalty shortly after the chequered flag to knock his Ferrari into third place, sealing Verstappen’s title.
While teammate Sergio Perez was being interviewed, the 25-year-old was pulled back in front of the camera for an impromptu announcement.
A taken-aback Verstappen replied: “Well, what can I say? Incredible! Very special to do it here in front of all the Honda and Japanese fans.”
The moment Johnny Herbert told Max Verstappen he was World Champion! 🎤
— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) October 9, 2022
Just look at those reactions! 🤩 pic.twitter.com/4YUCxGyht9
Verstappen has been dominant in F1 this season with Sunday’s his 12th win of the year, claimed by half a minute despite the reduced distance.
“It’s been a pretty incredible season of course, we’ve had a lot of good results,” he later told Sky F1.
“It’s really been enjoyable as well with the team. Of course we had a tough start but we turned it around pretty quickly, we kept on pushing and improving.
“To stand here now with the championship is a pretty amazing feeling, especially for those involved with Honda and the Japanese fans.
“I don’t really think about [getting even better], of course you want to be better. But I think it’s just a matter of experience, things you try to apply to next year.”
