Max Verstappen demanded that a journalist leave his press conference at the Japanese Grand Prix today, following a clash during a similar Q&A session at the end of the 2025 F1 season in Abu Dhabi.
The four-time Drivers' Champion refused to start the session until The Guardian's Giles Richards left the room. For context, he was the journalist who asked Verstappen last year whether he "regretted" a clash with George Russell at the Spanish Grand Prix in June, in the context of it costing him the Championship to Lando Norris (who won by just 2 points).
Verstappen had lost his cool on track in Spain and deliberately drove into the Mercedes, leading to a penalty that pushed the Dutchman from fifth to tenth and cost him 9 points. There were several other incidents throughout the season that were similarly impactful, though, and many fans agreed at the time he was right to be frustrated with the question.
"You forget all the other stuff that happened in my season," Verstappen told Richards during their previous encounter. "The only thing you mention is Barcelona. I knew that would come. You're giving me a stupid grin now."
"I don't know. Yeah, it's part of racing at the end. You live and learn. The championship is one of 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," he added.
Verstappen has long received an unfair level of scrutiny from the British press, and many have accused Richards of seeking a clickbait headline with his line of questioning. The driver's decision to demand that he leave today's press conference has been met with praise and criticism in equal measure, but Verstappen ultimately doesn't have to speak with anyone he chooses not to.
Here's how the exchange played out:
Verstappen: "One second, I'm not speaking before he's leaving."
Richards: "Seriously?"
Verstappen: "Yeah."
Richards: "Because of the question last year?"
Verstappen: "Yeah."
Richards: "You want me to leave?"
Verstappen: "Yeah."
Richards: "It's because of the question I asked you in Abu Dhabi?"
Verstappen: "Yeah."
Richards: "About why you..."
Verstappen: "Yeah."
Richards: "About Spain?"
Verstappen: "Get out."
Richards: "You're really, really upset about it?"
Verstappen: "Get out. Get out. Now we can start."
Richards has since issued a statement saying, "I still admire Verstappen and hope we can enjoy a better relationship going forward. Sometimes, difficult, awkward questions have to be asked. That's the job that comes with the privilege."
This is bound to be a big talking point heading into the weekend, so we'll keep you updated as this story continues to develop.