Max Verstappen clashed with a journalist in the post-race press conference after losing the Formula 1 world championship to Lando Norris by just two points. The Red Bull driver won the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Sunday, but Norris’s third-place finish was enough to secure the title.
When asked whether he regretted an incident at the Spanish Grand Prix, where he deliberately crashed into George Russell and was penalised from fifth to tenth, costing him nine points, Verstappen snapped. 'You forget all the other stuff that happened in my season. The only thing you mention is Barcelona. I knew that would come,' he said.
He then added: 'Are you giving me a stupid grin now? I don’t know. It’s part of racing in the end. You live and learn. Championship is won over 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 press conference was quickly ended.
Despite the tension, Verstappen was the first to congratulate Norris and later said he was proud of his season. 'I don’t see it like losing to be honest. He has had a very good season. Winning your first is always super emotional. I hope he really enjoys it tonight,' he said.
