Max Verstappen ejects journalist from Japanese Grand Prix press conference
Red Bull driver Max Verstappen refused to answer questions and ejected a journalist from his press conference at the Japanese Grand Prix on Thursday over lingering anger from a previous interview.
The four-time Formula 1 champion declined to start his written media session at Suzuka until the reporter had left the room.
His frustration stems from a question posed at the season finale in Abu Dhabi last December.
Tensions spill over from title heartbreak
During that previous exchange, the journalist had questioned the Dutchman about an intentional collision with George Russell at last year’s Spanish Grand Prix.
The ensuing 10-second time penalty cost the 28-year-old nine crucial points.
In hindsight, that penalty proved decisive as the Red Bull talisman narrowly missed out on securing a fifth world championship by just two points.
When asked if he regretted the incident in Abu Dhabi, he had delivered a sharply critical response.
“You forget all the other stuff that happened in my season. The only thing you mention is Barcelona. I knew that would come. You’re giving me a stupid grin now.”
Suzuka standoff halts media session
Recognising the Guardian newspaper’s F1 correspondent in the room at Suzuka, the reigning championship contender immediately halted proceedings.
“I’m not speaking before he leaves.”
The surprised reporter asked if the demand was seriously due to the question regarding Spain from last year.
“Get out.”
When the journalist questioned if he was genuinely still upset by the exchange, the response remained entirely blunt.
“Yeah, get out.”
Once the reporter exited the facility, the driver visibly relaxed and told the remaining gathered press that they could begin.
Championship struggles compound frustration
The dramatic confrontation follows a difficult start to the new campaign for the typically dominant racer.
He currently trails the lead in the drivers’ championship standings by a considerable 43 points.
That deficit follows a mechanical failure at the Chinese Grand Prix, which compounded a modest sixth-place finish at the season opener in Melbourne.
