MAX VERSTAPPEN had no idea he was crowned world champion – after a chaotic Japanese Grand Prix.
And his confusion was clear to see in the bizarre moment he discovered the news.
The Red Bull driver breezed to an easy victory at Suzuka after a red flag initially stopped the race.
He crossed the line well clear of Charles Leclerc and Sergio Perez.
But Ferrari driver was penalised with a five-second penalty for gaining an advantage by going off the track on the final corner of the race.
And that bumped Leclerc down to third.
But uncertainty over the points for the race, which only had 28 laps completed, meant it took a few minutes to work out for sure.
Full points were awarded because the race was resumed and ensured he finished the day 113 points clear of Perez with 112 points left up for grabs this season.
But the moment Verstappen found out he was crowned champion was underwhelming.
The 2021 champ, who pipped Lewis Hamilton in controversial scenes, was initially told he had secured the successful title defence in the paddock.
But it was not until the Dutchman was in the post-race drivers' room with Leclerc and Perez that it was absolutely confirmed.
Verstappen can be seen asking: "I am? Are you sure?" before getting the green light.
He then sat on a big armchair in a side room watching a graphic declaring his as the 2022 Formula One world champion.
And outside with the team and support crew, his girlfriend Kelly Piquet celebrated her man's victory.
More to follow…
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