Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix suspended due to heavy rain

The Japanese Formula One Grand Prix, which could see Red Bull's Max Verstappen crowned world champion for the second time in a row, was suspended on the third lap due to torrential rain at Suzuka on Sunday.

The first lap witnessed the withdrawal of the other Ferrari driver, Carlos Sainz, after his car skidded outside the circuit, in addition to separate collisions, most notably between former world champions Sebastian Vettel and Spaniard Fernando Alonso, which necessitated the intervention of the safety car before raising the red flag and the race stopped on the third lap.

Verstappen, who started from first place, maintained the lead despite a good start for Ferrari's Charles Leclerc of Monaco and an attempt to overtake him without success.

The drivers entered the garage and race officials decided in the first stage to set a date for the resumption of the race after stopping for more than half an hour, but their attempt failed due to poor visibility, and no decision has yet been taken on whether to resume the race or not.

It is noteworthy that Verstappen needs to win the race and record the fastest lap to secure the world title for the second year in a row, regardless of the results of his direct competitors.

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