Max Verstappen Removes Journalist from Suzuka Media Session
Max Verstappen refused to begin his media session ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix until a journalist he had previously clashed with left the room.
The four-time world champion halted proceedings at Red Bull’s hospitality unit in Suzuka, insisting that Giles Richards leave before he would answer any questions. Once the reporter exited, Verstappen continued the session as normal.
The tension dates back to last season, when Verstappen lost the title by two points to Lando Norris. During a media exchange in Abu Dhabi, Richards asked whether Verstappen regretted an incident at the Spanish Grand Prix, where he collided with George Russell and received a 10-second penalty that cost him crucial points.
Verstappen responded at the time with visible frustration, criticising the focus on that moment and insisting the wider context of his season had been overlooked.
At Suzuka, he interrupted an opening question after spotting the journalist, stating he would not speak unless the reporter left.
- «I’m not speaking before he leaves,» said Verstappen.
- «Seriously?» asked the journalist.
- Max replied: «Yep.»
- Journalist: «Because of the question last year?»
- Verstappen: «Yeah.»
- Journalist: «You want me to leave?»
- Verstappen: «Yeah.»
- Journalist: «It’s just the question I asked you in Abu Dhabi?»
- Verstappen: «Yeah.»
- Journalist: «About Spain?»
- Verstappen: «Get out.»
- Journalist: «You’re really that upset about it?»
- Verstappen: «Yeah, get out.»
The exchange ended only after the journalist exited, allowing the session to proceed.
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