Leclerc: F1 'needs to get better' to avoid repeat of Suzuka title chaos

Charles Leclerc believes Formula 1 "needs to get better" to avoid a repeat of the utter confusion that surrounded the conclusion of the Japanese Grand Prix and the sport's title fight.

Max Verstappen was crowned as F1's 2022 world champion after winning the disrupted race at Suzuka.

But for a period that followed the end of the event, the Red Bull charger was convinced that only half points would be allocated to the shortened race, thus leaving him short of the tally required to snatch the title.

A five-second penalty handed to Leclerc played in Verstappen's favour, but with only 52% of the race's distance covered, the widespread view in the paddock was that the Dutchman had still not done enough to celebrate his second title.

As the drivers regrouped in parc fermé against a backdrop of celebratory messages on the FIA's digital screen, confusion ensued.

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"It was a bit strange because I think actually the first time they told Max he was the world champion, he looked at me and he said ‘no, actually, I’m not’," Leclerc said at COTA on Thursday.

"And I was like ‘maybe you are, because they are saying it’. So it was not clear for any of us.

"The full points, not full points; the penalty, not a penalty. So it was like this."

Ultimately, clarity was provided, and Verstappen was confirmed as F1's 2022 world champion. But Leclerc hopes the sport can avoid in the future a repeat of the chaos that took hold after the race at Suzuka.

"I do believe that we need to get better at this, for sure," he said.

"But I’m sure there will be discussions in the next few races in order for us to move forward and to get better."

Regarding the outcome of his championship fight with Verstappen this season, Leclerc had known for several races how it would end.

Nevertheless, the Ferrari driver was disappointed not to be able to fight his rival down to the wire.

"In the two or three last races before that, we knew it was a matter of time before Max would win the championship. So it wasn’t a surprise," said Leclerc.

"Obviously it’s always difficult once you realise that the title is not any more possible. But what can I do? Of course I am disappointed.

"On the other hand. I need to look forward and try to make the best out of the last part of the season. So I’ll keep my head up."

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