Max Verstappen Ejects Journalist in Japan: FIA Silence Sparks Controversy
SUZUKA, Japan — A tense confrontation between four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen and the media has ignited a debate over driver conduct and governing body oversight after the Dutchman ejected a journalist from a media session during the Japanese Grand Prix weekend.
ALT: Max Verstappen of Oracle Red Bull Racing at the Suzuka Formula 1 circuit.
The incident occurred during a Red Bull hospitality media session, where Verstappen bluntly refused to begin the proceedings until Giles Richards, a correspondent for The Guardian, left the room. According to reports, Verstappen told Richards to get out
three times before the journalist calmly departed, allowing the session to proceed.
A Grudge from Abu Dhabi
The friction between the driver and the reporter is not a new development, but rather a spillover from the conclusion of the 2025 season. The tension stems from the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where Verstappen lost the world championship to Lando Norris by a narrow margin of just two points.
The catalyst for the ejection was a previous line of questioning from Richards regarding a collision Verstappen had with George Russell in Barcelona earlier that season—an event that potentially impacted Verstappen’s final standing in the championship.
“You forget all the other stuff that happened in my season. The only thing you mention is Barcelona. I knew that would come,” — Max Verstappen, reflecting on previous questioning
Verstappen further addressed the scrutiny of his season, stating: 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.
FIA Silence and Industry Backlash
While the session eventually continued, the fallout has centered on the lack of disciplinary action from the FIA. Former Formula 1 driver David Coulthard expressed surprise that the governing body did not reprimand the Red Bull driver for his behavior toward the press.
The incident has drawn criticism from across the racing world, with some observers questioning the precedent set when a champion can unilaterally remove accredited media members from official sessions.
ALT: Formula 1 paddock officials during the Japanese Grand Prix weekend.
Key Takeaways from the Incident:
- The Trigger: Questions regarding a collision with George Russell in Spain/Barcelona.
- The Action: Verstappen ordered Giles Richards to leave the media session three times.
- The Context: Verstappen lost the 2025 championship to Lando Norris by two points.
- The Controversy: David Coulthard and others have questioned the FIA’s decision not to issue a reprimand.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you think? Should the FIA have reprimanded Verstappen for ejecting the journalist, or is this just part of the high-pressure environment of F1? Let us know in the comments below!
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