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The old and new world champion Max Verstappen
Photo: Toru Hanai / dpa
Dutchman Max Verstappen is Formula 1 World Champion for the second time after a chaotic race in Suzuka.
The 25-year-old completed his premature title defense on Sunday with a win in the Japanese Grand Prix and, with four rounds left to play in the season, he can no longer be ousted from the top position.
International media write about the race:
Great Britain
»The Telegraph«
: »(...) Verstappen is cementing its status as an unstoppable force in Formula 1.«
»The Guardian«:
»This season belonged to Verstappen, who delivered with the leadership and control of a champion, with an almost unhindered confidence and ease.
And yet it was a title he certainly had to work for.«
"Daily Mail":
"Max Verstappen is already one of the F1 greats Lewis Hamilton, Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso... his dominant performance at the Japanese Grand Prix in the treacherous rain was worthy of a double world champion."
Spain
»Marca«:
»Max Verstappen is already world champion.
It was an open secret, we just had to wait for the math to confirm it.”
Mundo Deportivo:
Red Bull and Verstappen form the deadliest duo.
Two fundamental factors come together: a team and a driver who do everything almost perfectly.«
France
»Le Figaro«:
»A year after being crowned world champion for the first time in his young career on the last lap of the last Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi, Max Verstappen retained his throne.
But this time without the slightest hint of excitement, with four races to go.”
Austria
»Kronen Zeitung«
: »World Championship King Verstappen«
»Kurier«:
»Max Verstappen did everything right at the Grand Prix in Suzuka.
The Dutchman once again drove a flawless race and won easily on a wet track ahead of Sergio Pérez and Charles Leclerc.”
Switzerland
»Blick«:
»There has never been anything like it: Max Verstappen is crowned world champion during the winner interview.
So first the rain chaos, then this world championship confusion after the race.
The fact is: Verstappen is world champion for the second time.”
Tages-Anzeiger:
Max Verstappen wins Suzuka's 40-minute GP, after which there is a long period of uncertainty.
A fitting end to the rain chaos.«