Verstappen Kicks Journalist Out of F1 Press Conference | Japan GP 2024
Suzuka, Japan – – Max Verstappen created an unusual pre-race incident at the Japanese Grand Prix, refusing to begin a scheduled media session until a journalist he has repeatedly clashed with was removed from the room.
The four-time Formula 1 world champion halted proceedings as soon as he spotted Giles Richards of The Guardian in attendance. Verstappen’s frustration stems from a question Richards posed following the 2025 season finale in Abu Dhabi, where Verstappen narrowly lost the championship to Lando Norris by a mere two points.
The exchange at Suzuka was direct and uncompromising. As another journalist began to ask a question, Verstappen interjected, stating, “I’m not speaking before he leaves.” When asked if he was serious, Verstappen affirmed, “Yep.” Richards attempted to clarify, asking if the issue stemmed from the question asked last year, to which Verstappen simply responded, “Yeah.” He then repeated his demand, “Get out.” Even when pressed on whether he was truly upset about the previous exchange, Verstappen remained firm, again telling Richards to exit.
The root of Verstappen’s anger lies in a question regarding a controversial incident at the Spanish Grand Prix. During that race, Verstappen collided with George Russell after being instructed by his team to yield position following a corner cut. The resulting 10-second penalty dropped him from fifth to tenth place, costing him nine crucial championship points.
Richards’ question in Abu Dhabi directly addressed whether that incident in Barcelona had ultimately cost Verstappen the championship. Verstappen, visibly irritated at the time, responded by downplaying the significance of the penalty, stating, “You forget all the other stuff that happened in my season. The only thing you mention is Barcelona. I knew that would come.” He continued, “You’re giving me a stupid grin now. I don’t know. Yeah, it’s part of racing in 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 incident in Spain proved to be a pivotal moment in a season that saw Verstappen mount a significant comeback. Despite the setback, he managed to close a substantial points gap, ultimately finishing as runner-up to Norris. Verstappen clawed back 104 points following the Dutch Grand Prix, demonstrating his determination to challenge for the title until the very end.
This represents not an isolated incident of tension between Verstappen and the British media. In recent years, Verstappen has been critical of what he perceives as unfair or biased reporting. The Abu Dhabi question clearly reignited those feelings, leading to the unusual and public confrontation in Suzuka.
The situation raises questions about the relationship between Formula 1 drivers and the media and the boundaries of acceptable questioning. Whereas drivers are expected to engage with the press, the incident highlights the potential for personal animosity to influence those interactions. Verstappen’s actions suggest a clear line has been drawn, and that he is unwilling to engage with journalists he believes have been critical or unfair.
The immediate impact of the incident is minimal – Richards left the room, and Verstappen proceeded with the media session, answering questions from other journalists. However, the episode is likely to fuel further debate about media access and the responsibilities of both drivers and reporters in the high-pressure world of Formula 1. It also underscores the lingering impact of the fiercely contested championship battle, and Verstappen’s continued frustration over the events that ultimately led to Norris’s victory.
The Japanese Grand Prix weekend now continues with practice sessions, qualifying, and the race itself. However, the pre-race narrative has been undeniably altered by Verstappen’s bold move, adding an unexpected layer of intrigue to the event at Suzuka.