Max Verstappen Orders Journalist Out of Japanese Grand Prix Media Session
Max Verstappen dramatically ejected a journalist from his media session at the Japanese Grand Prix, declining to field any questions until the reporter had departed the room. The four-time Formula 1 champion has experienced a challenging beginning to the new season by his lofty standards.
Verstappen's Frustration Boils Over at Suzuka
Verstappen claimed sixth place at the season opener in Melbourne before a mechanical failure ended his race prematurely at the Chinese Grand Prix. He already trails the lead in the drivers' championship standings by 43 points and will be keen to reduce that deficit at Suzuka this weekend. However, things began on a tense note on Thursday when the Dutchman had a confrontation with a reporter during his press conference.
His frustration originated from a question posed in Abu Dhabi last December, where Verstappen came agonisingly close to securing a fifth title but missed out by just two points. The question concerned an incident at last year's Spanish Grand Prix, when the 28-year-old intentionally collided with George Russell in a moment of exasperation.
He was handed a 10-second time penalty, which deprived him of nine points and, in hindsight, would have made the difference in the title race. After the season finale in Abu Dhabi, Verstappen was questioned about whether he regretted the incident and responded sharply.
The Confrontation Unfolds at Suzuka
The same journalist, the F1 correspondent for the Guardian newspaper, was amongst those attending Verstappen's written media session at Suzuka on Thursday. His presence was noticed by the Red Bull driver who point-blank refused to answer any questions until the reporter had departed the room.
"I'm not speaking before he leaves," he declared, to which the journalist responded: "Seriously?" Verstappen stood firm: "Yeah." The reporter enquired: "Because of the question last year? You want me to leave? It's just the question I asked you in Abu Dhabi? About Spain?"
Verstappen shot back: "Get out." The journalist said: "You're really that upset about it?" to which the response was: "Yeah, get out." After the reporter had exited, Verstappen appeared more at ease and told the gathered press: "Now we can start."
Media Responsibilities and Team Dynamics
Media sessions form part of each driver's expected responsibilities at Grand Prix weekends, but only the FIA press conferences are compulsory. Consequently, it will fall to Red Bull whether to step in to repair relations between Verstappen and the journalist concerned.
F1 correspondent Daniel Moxon described the act as "childish" and beneath Verstappen, noting that while the driver can be outspoken, he is usually measured. Moxon emphasised that denying a journalist access over a personal vendetta is unacceptable, and Red Bull should not have allowed it to happen.
He called for the FIA to intervene to prevent such situations, arguing that journalists must be able to ask tough questions without fear of reprisal. This incident highlights ongoing tensions in Formula 1 media relations, particularly as Verstappen navigates a difficult season start.
