A Rain-Shortened Suzuka
— Verstappen Secures Back-to-Back Titles
Honda and Red Bull began their partnership in 2019. After years of Mercedes dominance in the hybrid power unit era, Max Verstappen captured his first World Championship in 2021. Honda concluded its fourth F1 era at the end of that season.
At the time, the world was in the grip of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, the Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka was canceled in 2020 and 2021, creating an unprecedented gap in the race’s history.
Meanwhile, with power unit development frozen under the regulations and new rules scheduled to be introduced from 2026, the Red Bull organization continued its relationship with Honda from 2022 onward in the form of a technical partnership with RBPT (Red Bull Powertrains). Under this arrangement, the team continued to use power units manufactured by Honda Racing (HRC).
In the autumn of 2022, the Japanese Grand Prix returned to Suzuka for the first time in three years. As Round 18 of a 22-race season, it arrived with Red Bull having demonstrated dominant pace throughout the year.
Race day was hit by rain, just as it had been on Friday. Amid early chaos after the start and worsening weather conditions, the race was red-flagged on lap 2. The restart was significantly delayed while officials waited for conditions to improve. Although the race eventually resumed, the three-hour time limit brought proceedings to an end after 28 laps, and the checkered flag was waved.
Because only 28 of the scheduled 53 laps had been completed—almost half distance—it initially appeared that half points would be awarded, potentially postponing Max Verstappen’s title confirmation until the next round. However, under the regulations in force that year, reduced points applied only if a race was suspended and not resumed. As this race had restarted and reached a classified finish, full points were awarded—securing Verstappen’s championship.
Charles Leclerc (Ferrari), who crossed the line in second place, received a five-second penalty for gaining an advantage off track. As a result, Sergio Pérez, who had finished just behind him, was promoted to second, sealing a Red Bull one-two finish at Suzuka.
Confusion over the points calculation led to uncertainty immediately after the checkered flag, with many seeking clarification on the championship outcome. Ultimately, the result stood: a dramatic, title-deciding race. The return of the Japanese Grand Prix after three years became a memorable moment for Honda as well.
