Verstappen Demands Journalist Leave Press Conference Over Past Question | F1 News
SUZUKA, Japan — , a pre-Japanese Grand Prix media session took a sharp turn when Max Verstappen demanded the removal of British journalist Giles Richards before he would engage with questions. The incident, stemming from a disagreement over a question posed after the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, highlights the ongoing tension between the Red Bull driver and certain segments of the British media.
Verstappen’s refusal to speak began with a direct order: “I’m not speaking before he’s leaving.” He then explicitly told Richards to “receive out,” confirming the demand was directly linked to the previous exchange in Abu Dhabi. The confrontation unfolded in front of other journalists and quickly became the focal point of the pre-race coverage.
The root of the issue traces back to a question Richards asked following the 2025 season finale. Verstappen had finished just two points shy of a fifth world title, a result heavily influenced by a 10-second penalty incurred at the Spanish Grand Prix earlier in the year. Richards’ question directly addressed that penalty and its potential impact on the championship outcome.
“Max, you lost out to Lando by just two points. What do you suppose now about the incident with George Russell in Spain? Do you regret that looking back in hindsight?” Richards asked at the time. Verstappen responded defensively, stating, “You forget all the other stuff that happened in my season. The only thing you mention is Barcelona. I knew that would come. You’re giving me a stupid grin now. I don’t know. Yeah, it’s part of racing at the end. You live and learn. The championship is one of 24 rounds. I’ve also had a lot of early Christmas presents given to me in the second half, so you can also question that.”
The Spanish Grand Prix incident involved a collision with George Russell, resulting in a 10-second penalty that dropped Verstappen from fifth to tenth place, costing him nine crucial championship points. The close margin of the final championship standings – Lando Norris ultimately winning by two points – clearly amplified the significance of that penalty in Verstappen’s eyes.
The exchange on in Suzuka mirrored the tension of the Abu Dhabi conversation. Verstappen reiterated his displeasure, stating, “Yeah,” when asked if his demand for Richards’ removal was due to the previous question. When pressed further, he simply repeated, “Get out,” ultimately succeeding in having the journalist leave the room before continuing the press conference.
Here’s not an isolated incident for Verstappen. Throughout his career, he has frequently clashed with the media, particularly British outlets. In 2018, he expressed frustration with questions about his reputation for on-track incidents, even threatening a physical confrontation. More recently, in 2022, he boycotted Sky Sports F1 coverage in Mexico, citing “disrespectful” reporting. He specifically criticized a commentator for suggesting Lewis Hamilton had been unfairly denied the 2021 championship in the controversial Abu Dhabi finale.
Following his fourth world title win in Qatar in 2024, Verstappen openly criticized the prevalence of British media in Formula 1, claiming that “80 to 85% of the media is British” and expressing concerns about biased coverage. He stated, “I did feel that some things which were written about me were not fair.”
The latest incident underscores a pattern of defensiveness and a perceived antagonism towards certain British journalists. While Verstappen’s frustration is understandable given the high-stakes nature of Formula 1 and the scrutiny that comes with it, his direct confrontation raises questions about media access and the boundaries of journalistic inquiry. The situation also highlights the lingering impact of past races and decisions on the current competitive landscape, even as the 2026 season gets underway.
The Japanese Grand Prix weekend now begins under a cloud of controversy, with the focus shifting from on-track performance to the relationship between one of the sport’s biggest stars and the media tasked with covering him. It remains to be seen whether this incident will have any lasting impact on Verstappen’s interactions with the press or on the broader dynamics between drivers and journalists in Formula 1.