Penalized at the finish, Leclerc admits defeat: “A big congratulations to Verstappen for his 2nd title”

A cut chicane was the disruptive element at the end of the Japanese Grand Prix. Charles Leclerc was penalized by 5 seconds just after the finish of the race for having gained an advantage in his duel against Sergio Pérez, in the last chicane. Demoted from 2nd to 3rd place, the Monegasque indirectly gave the title to Max Verstappen, amidst the confusion. All points having been awarded, the Dutchman took a sufficient lead to be crowned.

Beyond the chaos, Charles Leclerc returned to his race. A complicated Grand Prix, where the driver Ferrari has never been able to worry Max Verstappen. “From the 5th lap, it got worse and worse, I really struggled with these tires,” explained the Monegasque. It was a bit like the last race [in Singapore] where we could warm up our tires well but after 3-4 laps they were destroyed. A big congratulations to Max [Verstappen] for his 2nd world title. We will continue to push until the end of the season, it is obviously very frustrating today. The pace was no longer there after 4 laps, but that’s how it is. »

2023 target for Leclerc

Officially beaten in the world championship, Charles Leclerc admitted to being disappointed but ready to return to battle next season. “That’s the goal [to be champion in 2023]. Max's title was just a matter of time this season. We expected him to be champion, now we have to use these last few races to improve. I hope we give him a good battle next year. » From now on, the Scuderia driver will fight for 2nd place in the championship, which he lost at Suzuka by losing to Sergio Pérez. There are 4 Grands Prix left for Charles Leclerc to become vice-world champion.

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