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.
Arsenal technical director James Ellis has departed the Premier League leaders, confirming his exit through a public social media statement.
The experienced sports executive announced his resignation on LinkedIn, expressing gratitude for his time working within the high-performance environment in north London.
Ellis spent nearly five years with the Gunners, contributing to the development of the elite-level club across various sporting departments.
End of an era at Emirates Stadium
Reflecting on a career spanning over 25 years, the seasoned administrator described the sports sector as a wonderful industry to build a profession in.
He credited his journey through participation, coaching, scouting and senior leadership for shaping his professional identity over the decades.
“I have been fortunate enough to work and contribute to some outstanding sporting organisations, in the UK and abroad, in high-performance and the football industry.”
The former Arsenal director added that he hoped he had left those respective organisations in a demonstrably better position than when he arrived.
Looking ahead to new opportunities
During his tenure with Mikel Arteta’s title-chasing side, the executive worked alongside numerous individuals who shared his clear vision for institutional custodianship.
“I recently departed Arsenal Football Club, where in nearly five years I gave my all in an attempt to help contribute to supporting the development of elite level club and its high-performance environment.”
He extended his best wishes to the current league leaders for the future as they continue their ongoing pursuit of domestic silverware.
The outgoing director is now actively looking forward to his next opportunity to help other sporting organisations achieve their long-term ambitions.
Championship leader George Russell has accused rivals of attempting to slow Mercedes down after the team’s front wing came under scrutiny ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix.
The Brackley-based outfit have dominated the start of the 2026 Formula 1 season, with the British driver and his team-mate Kimi Antonelli securing a victory each.
However, opposing teams raised concerns following the recent race in China after video footage suggested Antonelli’s front wing did not fully close under braking.
Active aerodynamics under the microscope
Under the new 2026 technical regulations, cars feature active aerodynamics where front and rear wings open on designated straights before closing when the driver brakes.
The governing body mandates that the transition time between these aerodynamic states must not exceed 0.4 seconds.
Footage from the Shanghai circuit appeared to show the Italian teenager’s wing remaining partially open beyond the permitted timeframe.
The FIA has subsequently held discussions with the Silver Arrows regarding the aerodynamic mechanism.
‘No advantage’ for championship leaders
Russell, who currently holds a four-point advantage at the summit of the drivers’ standings, insists the delay is an operational flaw rather than a deliberate performance enhancement.
“It wasn’t intentional, and I don’t think it’s not an advantage, for sure,” said the current championship leader.
“It’s actually a problem, so something we’re trying to solve.”
“It isn’t a straightforward solution, but there is definitely no advantage to that because when we brake, the front wing is still open.”
“Kimi had the lock up towards the end of the race, and I think this was a contribution to the front wing, so it’s definitely not intentional.”
Wolff warns of political knives
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff had already anticipated backlash, warning of political manoeuvres being aimed at his garage.
The Ferrari duo of Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton remain the closest challengers to the current constructors’ leaders but have admitted they face a significant pace deficit.
In a separate development ahead of qualifying in Suzuka, the FIA has implemented a late rule tweak regarding power unit energy recovery.
The permitted energy recharge has been reduced from 9.0 megajoules to 8.0 megajoules in an effort to limit electrical clipping at the end of long straights.
Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka is facing increasing scrutiny over his recent form following a grueling run of fixtures that culminated in a Carabao Cup final defeat by Manchester City.
The Gunners’ loss to City marked their 50th match of a demanding season and ended their hopes of securing an unprecedented quadruple.
Despite the domestic cup heartbreak, Mikel Arteta’s side remain in a commanding position across the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League.
The 24-year-old captained his boyhood club during the recent final, but both supporters and pundits have begun questioning his output.
Weight of high expectations
As the undisputed franchise player under the club’s American ownership, expectations surrounding the Hale End academy graduate are incredibly high.
When performances drop, the heavy reliance on the lightning-fast attacker inevitably invites intense debate.
Former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney believes the relentless pursuit of silverware is starting to take a physical and mental toll.
“That pressure to win trophies can tally up and make it difficult.”
“I think he has struggled this season. He has played a lot of games in his career already. I think we all know there is more there.”
Mounting fatigue and international rest
The England international has managed just two goals since the turn of the year.
Prior to a recent strike in a draw against Wolves, the versatile forward had endured a 15-game goal drought across all competitions.
He has also battled physical setbacks, missing three matches recently due to a hip injury.
Recognising the incredible workload, England manager Thomas Tuchel has granted the forward the first week of the current international window off.
Tuchel is actively attempting to protect his key personnel with the upcoming World Cup looming large.
Arteta demands elite reliability
The recent Carabao Cup final represented the talisman’s 305th senior appearance for the North London outfit.
He recently committed his prime years to the club by signing a lucrative five-year contract extension in February.
While fatigue seems a logical factor, his Spanish manager has previously insisted that elite stars must be capable of playing constantly.
“Look at the top players in the world. They play 70 matches – every three days – and make the difference and win the game.”
“You want to be at the top, you have to be able to do that.”
Manchester City midfielder Rodri has admitted he would find it difficult to turn down a future transfer to Real Madrid as he expressed a desire to return to La Liga.
The 29-year-old joined the reigning Premier League champions from Atletico Madrid in 2019 and has since established himself as a cornerstone of Pep Guardiola’s squad.
The Spain international currently has less than 18 months remaining on his contract at Etihad Stadium.
La Liga return appeals to Spanish star
Speaking to Spanish radio station Onda Cero, the recent Ballon d’Or winner was questioned about his future and the prospect of joining Los Blancos.
Despite acknowledging his deep affection for the English top flight, the deep-lying playmaker confessed that a return to his homeland remains an attractive proposition.
“I’d like to return, yes, obviously.”
“For me, La Liga is where I started. I still follow it, it’s true not as much as before, but I still follow it.”
Injury recovery prioritised over contract talks
The midfield metronome described the Premier League as a thrilling but demanding environment that pushes players to their absolute limit.
The European Championship winner is currently sidelined with a long-term injury and is actively working on his rehabilitation.
He insists his immediate focus lies entirely on regaining his elite form rather than engaging in imminent contract negotiations.
“I’m currently recovering from an injury, and what worries me right now is my feeling, my level, how to get back to my previous level.”
Crossing the Madrid divide
While acknowledging he has a year left on his current deal, the defensive anchor stated that formal discussions with his current employers will happen eventually.
Given his history with Atletico Madrid, a move to the Santiago Bernabeu would see him cross one of European football’s fiercest city rivalries.
However, the decorated midfielder dismissed suggestions that his past allegiance would prevent him from joining the current Champions League holders.
“There have been many players who have gone down that path, right? And especially not directly, but over time.”
“I mean, for me, you can’t turn down the best clubs in the world.”
Liverpool are planning a significant summer squad overhaul, including the potential release of defender Ibrahima Konate, following a dismal Premier League title defence under manager Arne Slot.
The Reds currently sit fifth in the table and face a major battle to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
It marks a stark contrast to the Dutchman’s inaugural campaign at Anfield, where he seamlessly replaced Jurgen Klopp to win the top-flight crown.
However, a disastrous run of nine defeats in 12 games late last year has left the Merseyside club desperately needing reinforcements.
Record spending fails to maintain dominance
Slot’s side was heavily bolstered last summer with a massive £450m outlay on marquee signings.
High-profile arrivals included Swedish striker Alexander Isak, French forward Hugo Ekitike and German playmaker Florian Wirtz.
Despite this immense financial backing, the reigning champions have struggled to replicate their previous dominant form.
Attention is now turning to which current stars will be retained or moved on to fund the next phase of the rebuild.
Defensive reshuffle on the horizon
French centre-back Konate is out of contract at the end of the season and is widely expected to depart on a free transfer.
The 26-year-old has displayed signs of frailty, and his wage demands mean the club are looking at alternative partners for captain Virgil van Dijk.
Imminent arrival Jeremy Jacquet, set to join from French side Rennes, will provide immediate cover in the central defensive areas.
Meanwhile, veteran mainstays Alisson Becker and Van Dijk are both expected to remain until their deals expire in 2027.
Fringe players fighting for futures
Versatile defender Joe Gomez will be kept as a valuable squad rotation option due to his immense experience and loyalty to the club.
Goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili is also set to stay, with the 25-year-old Georgian viewed as a long-term prospect despite a quiet start to his Anfield career.
Hungarian full-back Milos Kerkez has endured a difficult debut season but is likely to be granted more time to adapt to English football.
Jamal Murray scored 53 points and Nikola Jokic recorded a massive triple-double as the Denver Nuggets defeated the Dallas Mavericks 142-135 on Wednesday.
The Colorado franchise secured their fourth consecutive victory to keep pace at the top of the Western Conference standings.
Jokic dictated the tempo throughout the contest, finishing with 23 points, 21 rebounds and a season-high 19 assists.
Jokic reaches career milestone
During the first half of this high-scoring affair, the Serbian centre also registered his 6,000th career assist.
He reached that historic landmark by feeding his Canadian team-mate for a layup midway through the second quarter.
That milestone pass was part of an explosive 33-point opening half for the dynamic Nuggets playmaker.
Mavericks fight back before late Denver surge
Dallas threatened a dramatic upset late in the game, trimming an 11-point deficit to a single point with just four minutes remaining.
However, the visiting team faltered at the free-throw line, allowing the home side to immediately regain control.
A clutch corner three-pointer from Peyton Watson and a step-back jumper by the red-hot Murray finally sealed the contest.
The impressive 53-point haul saw the Denver guard fall just two points short of his career-high tally.
Play-off race intensifies for Nuggets
This vital win means Denver remain tied for fourth place alongside the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Crucially, the Nuggets hold the vital tiebreaker advantage after winning the regular-season series between the two teams.
In stark contrast, the struggling Mavericks have now lost five consecutive matches.
Despite a spirited 26-point performance from rookie Cooper Flagg, the Texas outfit have slumped to 24 defeats in their last 28 outings.
Jaylen Brown scored 31 points as the Boston Celtics rallied to defeat the Oklahoma City Thunder 119-109 on Wednesday, ending the visitors’ 12-game winning streak.
The Celtics overturned an early 11-point deficit to secure a crucial victory in a clash between two of the NBA’s elite franchises.
Jayson Tatum overcame recent struggles to register a vital double-double, contributing 19 points, 12 rebounds, and seven assists for the hosts.
The result means the two championship contenders split their regular-season series, following a narrow victory for the Thunder two weeks ago.
Brown dominates decisive third quarter
The turning point arrived after half-time when the dynamic Celtics forward exploded for 14 points in a transformative third period.
His impressive scoring burst propelled the home side into an 88-83 advantage heading into the final 12 minutes of action.
The Eastern Conference heavyweights stretched their lead to as much as 14 points down the stretch to pull away from their title rivals.
A late layup from Brown, combined with clutch free throws by Derrick White, successfully fended off a brief fightback from the Western Conference leaders.
Gilgeous-Alexander shines in defeat
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander produced a standout individual display for the defeated visitors, recording a game-high 33 points alongside eight assists.
The Canadian guard has now scored 30 or more points in seven consecutive meetings against Boston, matching a remarkable streak last achieved by LeBron James between 2004 and 2008.
However, the visitors were severely punished on the glass, surrendering a staggering 19-2 deficit in second-chance points.
Poor perimeter shooting also hampered the table-topping Thunder, who managed to convert just 12 of their 37 attempts from beyond the arc.
Injured stars return for playoff push
The highly anticipated rematch featured much stronger lineups than their previous encounter, which was marred by the absence of several high-profile figures.
Jalen Williams made a quiet return for the Thunder, managing seven points after missing 16 matches with a hamstring injury.
Boston also welcomed back key personnel, with Tatum and White returning to the court after recent spells on the sidelines.
The impressive triumph marks Boston’s first victory against an opponent sitting 40 or more games over a .500 win percentage since defeating the Golden State Warriors in March 2017.