Max Verstappen was reportedly summoned for talks by Red Bull after he ordered a British journalist to leave a media huddle at the Japanese Grand Prix. The 28-year-old four-time Formula 1 world champion had an altercation with Guardian reporter Giles Richards, refusing to answer questions until the writer left the vicinity.
The incident did not impress Red Bull officials, who responded by ordering Verstappen to a meeting with team principal Laurent Mekies and other officials. According to German media outlet BILD, Mekies listened to Verstappen's reasoning before telling the Dutchman that Red Bull do not want to be known for ordering members of the press to leave hospitality areas and media huddles.
Verstappen's feud with Richards stems from an exchange at last season's finale in Abu Dhabi. Richards asked Verstappen if he regretted deliberately driving into George Russell at the Spanish Grand Prix, an act that earned him a 10-second penalty. Verstappen accused the reporter of laughing at him while asking the question, an act he considered disrespectful.
Speaking to Dutch broadcaster Viaplay about the exchange in Japan, Verstappen said: 'For me, that particular question I think I've answered like 20 times with different people... But after the final race, when you ask that question and you start laughing in my face while asking the question, and it's clearly done with bad intent... it shows a massive lack of respect. So, for me, when you're not respectful towards me, I don't need to be respectful towards you.'
Richards has insisted in his column that he was not finding amusement at Verstappen's expense. The next move is reported to be a clear-the-air meeting between all parties ahead of the Miami Grand Prix in May.
