Verstappen crowned amidst general confusion, even though the rules are very clear!
The FIA has indeed awarded the full points system in Japan, despite the fact that the race only lasted 28 laps, which is 50% of the planned distance. One could therefore have thought that the regulations would only apply a reduced points system, but this was not the case, explanations.
The sporting regulations for the 2022 Formula 1 have been modified regarding the points system to avoid a repeat of the fiasco at the 2021 Belgian Grand Prix, where the drivers only completed 2 laps and scored full points, generating anger among the spectators on site.
A race time limited to 3 hours.
The drivers completed 28 laps out of the originally planned 53 laps during the Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday. The dangerous weather conditions and resulting red flag limited the time on the track, but not only that. Indeed, the regulations have been modified this year regarding the total duration of a Grand Prix. It can now not exceed 2 hours of racing under a yellow flag, and in case of at least one red flag, it cannot last more than 3 hours.
In Japan, the red flag waved starting from the 3rd lap, which pushed the maximum racing time limit to 3 hours. Resuming the track 1 hour and 30 minutes later and driving in the rain, the drivers could only complete 28 laps instead of the scheduled 53.
A points scale modified in 2022 based on the distance traveled.
In 2022, the FIA implemented a new points system that depends on the distance covered by the leading driver. Specifically, if at the time of the race interruption, the driver has covered between 50% and 75% of the 53 laps, a reduced points system must be applied. However, there is an important nuance. This rule only applies if the race could not resume.
The applied scale is standard if the race was able to resume.
The regulation specifies: « If a race is suspended and cannot be restarted, points for each driver will be awarded according to the following criteria (reduced scale) ». However, in Japan, the race was able to resume after the red flag and the drivers did cross the finish line.
As a result, the FIA effectively applies the regulation and thus grants the full points scale to the drivers. Max Verstappen has therefore rightfully won the race with an additional 25 points in his pocket, allowing him to claim a second world champion title!
