Formula 1 returned to Japan at the weekend after a couple of seasons away, and it certainly proved worth the wait for Max Verstappen in the end.
The sport returned to Suzuka for the first time since 2019 but the wet weather on Sunday threatened to leave fans in attendance very disappointed, with it quite possible we'd hardly get any racing laps in.
However, with under an hour left of the three-hour window in which the race could be held, we got some action in and it was Verstappen who stormed to victory and, eventually, the title after a brief bit of confusion over how many points would be awarded.
READ MORE: Explained: Points rule that led to Max Verstappen winning the F1 world title
Max was the obvious winner at the weekend as he doubles up on world titles, then, but who else had a good weekend and who didn't? We take a look at a couple of each now...
Winner - Sebastian Vettel
SUZUKA, JAPAN - OCTOBER 09: Sebastian Vettel of Germany and Aston Martin F1 Team waves to the crowd on the drivers' parade prior to the F1 Grand Prix of Japan at Suzuka International Racing Course on October 09, 2022 in Suzuka, Japan. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
Sebastian Vettel made no secret of how much he enjoys driving at Suzuka with him appearing even a little emotional at points over the weekend with it the last time he'll be driving in F1 around the circuit.
Things could have worked out badly for him on Sunday, though, with a tap in the first corner with Fernando Alonso sending him spiralling to the back of the field.
The red flag and rain delay meant he'd be able to catch up for the restart, though, and a quick move to intermediates allowed him to carve his way back up the field, before sealing a 6th place finish ahead of Alonso by 0.011 seconds in a thrilling dash to the line in the final stages.
Loser - Charles Leclerc
SUZUKA, JAPAN - OCTOBER 09: Third placed Charles Leclerc of Monaco and Ferrari stands on the podium during the F1 Grand Prix of Japan at Suzuka International Racing Course on October 09, 2022 in Suzuka, Japan. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
This is not the way Charles Leclerc would have wanted to finally give up all hope of winning the world championship this year.
The Monegasque knew the writing was on the wall but obviously wanted to take it as far as he could, and he'd done enough to postpone Max's celebrations to the US right up until the final chicane of the final lap.
His corner cutting gave him a time penalty, one which Ferrari were far from pleased about, and the revelation full points were being awarded only compounded things in parc ferme as Max was confirmed champion in very underwhelming circumstances.
Leclerc will now just be eager to try and build momentum for 2023 in the final four Grands Prix of the year.
Winner - Alpine
SUZUKA, JAPAN - OCTOBER 09: Esteban Ocon of France driving the (31) Alpine F1 A522 Renault leads Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain driving the (44) Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team W13 during the F1 Grand Prix of Japan at Suzuka International Racing Course on October 09, 2022 in Suzuka, Japan. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
The fight between Alpine and McLaren is twisting and turning every week, with Alpine now back in the driving seat for P4 in the Constructors' standings.
Whilst McLaren earned just the one point via Lando Norris, Alpine earned 18 with Esteban Ocon coming home in a season's best fourth after a great fight with Lewis Hamilton, whilst Fernando Alonso was P7 and oh so close to sixth in that fight with Vettel.
A fine way to bounce back after their double retirement in Singapore the weekend prior.
Loser - Alfa Romeo
SUZUKA, JAPAN - OCTOBER 07: Valtteri Bottas of Finland driving the (77) Alfa Romeo F1 C42 Ferrari on track during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Japan at Suzuka International Racing Course on October 07, 2022 in Suzuka, Japan. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
Alfa Romeo's poor form continues and they are now really at risk of losing P6 in the standings to Aston Martin.
The Silverstone-based team earned more good points through Vettel whilst Alfa registered another scoreless result and there are now just seven points between the two teams in the table.
With four races to go and with the two teams trending in different directions, you could see them swapping places before the season is done right now.
You can keep up to date with all the latest F1 news, rumours and results right here at Give Me Sport.