Max Verstappen halted his media session at the Japanese Grand Prix on Thursday, refusing to answer questions until a reporter from The Guardian left the room.
The incident unfolded in Red Bull’s hospitality area ahead of the weekend’s race at Suzuka. Verstappen, the four-time Formula 1 world champion, spotted Giles Richards from The Guardian and immediately demanded his departure. “I’m not speaking before he’s leaving,” Verstappen said, pointing directly at the journalist. When Richards sought confirmation, asking if it stemmed from a question posed last year, Verstappen replied affirmatively and repeated, “Get out.” The exchange grew tense as Richards pressed further, questioning the driver’s level of upset, but Verstappen stood firm. Once Richards exited, Verstappen declared, “Now we can start,” and the session proceeded with discussions on his recent GT3 outing at the Nurburgring and preparations for qualifying.
The root of the dispute traces back to the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix post-race press conference, the season finale where Verstappen lost the drivers’ title to McLaren’s Lando Norris by just two points. Richards had asked Verstappen if he regretted a collision with George Russell’s Mercedes at the Spanish Grand Prix earlier that year. That incident earned Verstappen a 10-second penalty, dropping him from fifth to 10th and costing nine crucial championship points in a tightly contested season. Verstappen dismissed the query at the time, noting it overlooked other events in his campaign and accusing the journalist of a smug response.
Richards later expressed disappointment in a Guardian piece, describing himself as stunned by Verstappen’s intensity. He noted shock among fellow reporters and concern for his well-being, while reaffirming his respect for the driver and hoping for improved relations ahead.
This is not Verstappen’s first clash with the press, particularly British outlets, amid his history of blunt interactions. The episode highlights ongoing tensions between drivers and media in Formula 1, where championship battles amplify scrutiny.
With the Japanese Grand Prix set for Sunday, March 29, before a five-week break due to canceled Bahrain and Saudi Arabian rounds, Verstappen remains a title contender. Red Bull seeks to rebound in a season marked by close fights, and such distractions could test team focus as the calendar progresses.
Max Verstappen ejected a journalist from his news conference at the Japanese Grand Prix.
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) March 26, 2026
It's because of a row that dates back to last year's season finale in Abu Dhabi. pic.twitter.com/4CSVquzaah
