"We didn't think it was full points!"
Confirmed - he has won the F1 title.
Red Bull and Mercedes were reading the rules, after the race, to check because nobody understood the points awarded!
"The resumption of the race means full points" - that is the key rule which makes Verstappen the 2022 champion.
F1 calling Max Verstappen the 2022 champion but there is major confusion.
Are we awarded full or half points for this race? Nobody knows!
"Are you sure?" Verstappen says...
"We have a great opportunity at the next race..."
Drama on the last lap with Leclerc cutting the chicane... could be one for the stewards.
Max Verstappen wins the 2022 Japanese Grand Prix!
Leclerc and Perez complete the podium.
We're onto the final lap... Leclerc v Perez & Ocon v Hamilton to come.
Verstappen's lead is up to 24s.
Two minutes to go at Suzuka.
If he wins today but the race doesn't go beyond the 50% distance, Verstappen will win 13 points meaning he would require Leclerc to finish fifth (five points) or lower, and Perez to finish fourth (six points) or lower.
If this race gets to Lap 27 there will be a maximum of 20 points for a win (19 points plus fastest lap) so Verstappen would need Leclerc to finish fourth (10 points) or lower and Perez to finish third (12 points) or lower.
Five minutes to go at Suzuka.
Perez is now right behind Leclerc for second.
Red Bull looking for their fifth 1-2 finish of the year.
The order on Lap 24: Verstappen, Leclerc, Perez, Ocon, Hamilton, Vettel, Russell, Latifi, Norris and Alonso.
Alonso pits for fresh inters and rejoins in 10th.
Perez is now 0.9s behind Leclerc for second.
10 more minutes to go.
Zhou puts in the fastest lap of the race. Four seconds quicker than the leaders.
Russell has now overtaken Latifi in the first sector.
Very frustrating for Hamilton, who still can't overtake Ocon for fourth.
Great defence from Ocon into 130R on Hamilton.
Perez has closed to 3.8s off Leclerc for second.
15 minutes to go here.