Max Verstappen ordered a reporter to “get out” of a Japanese Grand Prix media session after a tense exchange over a question asked last season. The Red Bull driver, who has had a frustrating start to the 2026 Formula 1 season, became irritated when the journalist raised a question about his crash with George Russell in Spain last year.
Verstappen, currently eighth in the standings after failing to finish in China, told the reporter: “I'm not speaking before he leaves.” When the journalist clarified that the question was about the incident in Abu Dhabi last year, Verstappen confirmed his irritation and said: “Get out.”
The 28-year-old has previously criticised the current F1 regulations, likening the sport to Mario Kart and describing the boosting system as “a joke”. He has also admitted that his collision with Russell in Spain was a “mistake”, but pushed back against suggestions of regret at the time.
Verstappen fell just two points short of a fifth world title last season, with Mercedes drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli setting the early pace in 2026.
