Arab News Japan

Max Verstappen secured his second Formula One world championship title on Sunday after winning a rain-shortened Japanese Grand Prix.

This comes after Honda confirmed that it will strengthen its collaborative relationship with Red Bull Group in Motorsports. The Honda and HRC logo were newly added to the Oracle Red Bull Racing and Scuderia AlphaTauri race machines for the Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix 2022, according to a statement released by the company.

The first race start was conducted in tricky rain conditions that resulted in Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz Jr. to crash into the barriers. However, the skies finally cleared with about 45 minutes left of the race, allowing the drivers to get 28 laps of racing complete and ensure a half-points total finish before the sunset.

Dutchman Verstappen remained out front from the start and cruised to victory as Charles Leclerc lost out to Mexican Pérez for second, beating Esteban Ocon who came in fourth, ahead of Lewis Hamilton who secured fifth place. Meanwhile, Scuderia AlphaTauri’s Yuki Tsunoda finished 13th in his first home Grand Prix.

“I am just very happy that we got to race. It was really tough for us to drive. The car was flying. Very special to do it here in front of all the Honda people and Japanese fans. So thankful to everyone who has contributed to this success. The second title is even more beautiful with the season that we have had,” Verstappen said.