The 2022 Japanese Grand Prix left us with many talking points, but at the end of the day all the attention was on one man: race winner and freshly crowned F1 World Champion Max Verstappen.
The 25-year-old Dutchman joined six other drivers in the sport's annals who have two world titles to their name – Alberto Ascari, Jim Clark, Graham Hill, Emerson Fittipaldi, Mika Hakkinen and Fernando Alonso – and he did it with four races to spare.
But beyond the stats, it's perhaps Max's veritable stampede in the championship over the summer, which he resumed in Japan this weekend, and his unwavering momentum and will to achieve, race in and race out, that have elevated the Red Bull driver to 'legend' status in F1 well ahead of time.
Here's our recap in pictures of Max Verstappen's red-letter day at Suzuka.
SUZUKA, JAPAN - OCTOBER 09: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (1) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB18 and Charles Leclerc of Monaco driving the (16) Ferrari F1-75 battle for track position into turn one at the start during the F1 Grand Prix of Japan at Suzuka International Racing Course on October 09, 2022 in Suzuka, Japan. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images ) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202210090154 // Usage for editorial use only //more
SUZUKA, JAPAN - OCTOBER 09: The Red Bull Racing team celebrate at the podium during the F1 Grand Prix of Japan at Suzuka International Racing Course on October 09, 2022 in Suzuka, Japan. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images ) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202210090631 // Usage for editorial use only //more
SUZUKA, JAPAN - OCTOBER 09: A detail view of the race boots of Race winner and 2022 F1 World Drivers Champion Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing celebrates on the podium during the F1 Grand Prix of Japan at Suzuka International Racing Course on October 09, 2022 in Suzuka, Japan. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images ) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202210090633 // Usage for editorial use only //more
Phillip van Osten
Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.