Max Verstappen threw out a British journalist from his press conference in a fiery exchange ahead of this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix.
The four-time world champion told the reporter, Giles Richards from the Guardian, to ‘get out’ of the Red Bull hospitality area three times. ‘I’m not speaking before he leaves,’ said Verstappen.
The Dutchman’s ire dated back to a row the pair had in Abu Dhabi last December, the final race of the 2025 season, where Verstappen missed out on a fifth consecutive title to Lando Norris by two points.
The journalist had asked him if driving into George Russell in Spain, which cost the Dutchman nine points, was to blame for him not regaining his crown.
At the time Verstappen snapped back: ‘You forget about all the other stuff that happened in my season.
‘The only thing that you mention is Barcelona. I knew that would come. And you are giving me a stupid grin now. It is part of racing. You live and learn.’
Max Verstappen threw a journalist out of his press conference as he was touchy about a question he had been asked in the past
He took issue with a question asked last season by Guardian journalist Giles Richards
He had been asked about last year’s Spanish Grand Prix, when he was penalised for crashing into George Russell and lost out on nine points – which were eventually critical in the title race
In his latest press conference Verstappen spotted the journalist – who attends a number of races for the Guardian – as he sat down for his customary press briefing and issued his order to leave.
When asked to go, the journalist replied: ‘Seriously?’
Verstappen replied, ‘Yep.’
The argument continued as the journalist walked around the room to pick up his recording device.
Journalist: ‘Because of the question last year?’
Verstappen: ‘Yeah.’
Journalist: ‘You want me to leave? It’s just the question I asked you in Abu Dhabi? About Spain?’
Verstappen: ‘Get out. Get out.’
Journalist: ‘You’re really that upset about it?’
Verstappen: ‘Get out.’
The journalist left the suite after the 30-second exchange, rolling his eyes as he went. Verstappen proceeded to answer questions from the remainder of the press contingent for the next 10 minutes.
