F1: Verstappen wins chaotic Japanese GP, Zhou sets fastest lap

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Red Bull Racing's Dutch driver Max Verstappen celebrates with the trophy following his victory at the F1 Grand Prix of Japan in Suzuka, Japan, October 9, 2022. /CFP

Red Bull's Max Verstappen won a rain-delayed and shortened Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday, but the reduced points awarded left him still waiting for a second Formula One world championship.

Ferrari's Charles Leclerc finished second but was handed a penalty on the last lap, allowing Red Bull's Sergio Perez move up to second place.

China's Zhou Guanyu finished 16th but reached a milestone in his rookie year at F1 as he set the fastest lap at 1 minute 44.411 seconds.

China's Zhou Guanyu drives the 24 Alfa Romeo F1 C42 Ferrari during the F1 Grand Prix of Japan in Suzuka, Japan, October 9, 2022. /CFP

Earlier, Frenchman Pierre Gasly raged after driving at speed past a recovery vehicle sent out in heavy rain while the safety car was deployed at the circuit.

The race was stopped shortly afterward.

"I could have ... killed myself," the AlphaTauri driver said over the team radio. "This is unacceptable! What has happened? Can't believe this."

The 26-year-old, who had hit an advertising board dislodged by an opening lap crash for Ferrari's Carlos Sainz, had pitted for a new front wing and was trying to catch up with the rest of the field.

Cars race on the wet circuit during the F1 Grand Prix of Japan in Suzuka, Japan, October 9, 2022. /CFP

Sainz's crash was one of a number of first-lap incidents, as drivers struggled with poor visibility and scrabbled for grip on the rain-soaked asphalt.

Pictures showed the light panels by the side of the track change to red from yellow just before Gasly drove past the recovery vehicle.

The sport's governing body, FIA, said the race had been neutralized by the safety car.

Stewards said they would investigate the incident, with Gasly under investigation for speeding under red flag conditions.

(With input from Reuters)