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Max Verstappen defends ejecting journalist at Suzuka over Abu Dhabi clash, slams disrespectful questions as Red Bull struggles in new season.
Max Verstappen sparked controversy when he refused to start his press conference until a journalist left the room (AP)
Max Verstappen finally opened up on the controversy after refusing to begin a media session until a journalist left the room ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix.
On Thursday, the Red Bull driver halted his scheduled press conference at Suzuka, making it clear he would not speak while Guardian journalist Giles Richards remained present. When asked whether the decision was linked to a previous exchange, Verstappen confirmed that it was, instructing the reporter to leave before he would continue with the session.
The disagreement dates back to last year’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where Verstappen narrowly missed out on a fifth world title, finishing two points behind Lando Norris. Richards had questioned him about a penalty earlier in the season for an incident involving Mercedes driver George Russell in Spain, a line of questioning Verstappen later described as disrespectful.
Verstappen Explains His Stance
Reflecting on the episode, Max Verstappen said he expects mutual respect in his interactions with the media. While acknowledging that drivers often face difficult or even “stupid” questions, he drew a distinction between fair criticism and what he saw as questions asked with negative intent. According to the Dutchman, the tone and manner of the earlier exchange crossed a line, shaping his reaction at Suzuka. His position was simple: respect must be reciprocated.
“For me, it’s not, it’s not correct, you know, I have a lot of respect for everyone, and I get asked a lot of questions, a lot of stupid questions as well, but I answer them. You know, that’s fine. I mean, it’s not always that a question is great or whatever, but that’s part of Formula One. But in this particular case, it was clearly done with bad intent. And of course, in that time in Abu Dhabi, you only see the camera pointed at my face, so you don’t see what is behind the camera and how people ask questions. And for me, it was very clear that it was done in a very disrespectful way,” Verstappen said on the incident on Sunday
“It got a lot of attention, and everyone has an opinion about it. Is it right? Is it not? How do you look back at it now? And did you discuss it internally with the team? It’s just how I explain it. You know, if you don’t give me respect, and I don’t give you respect. That’s how it works,” he added.
Journalist Responds
Richards, however, expressed disappointment at being asked to leave, noting that his previous interactions with Verstappen had been cordial. He defended his approach as part of a journalist’s responsibility to ask honest and sometimes uncomfortable questions, adding that he still admires the four-time world champion and hopes their professional relationship can improve.
‘Undriveable’ Red Bull
On track, Verstappen’s frustrations continued. His dominance at Suzuka in recent years came to an abrupt halt as he struggled in qualifying, describing his car as “undriveable”.
After securing four consecutive pole positions at the circuit — and converting each into victory — he could only manage 11th on the grid this time.
Red Bull have fallen behind their rivals under Formula One’s new regulations, with Mercedes setting the pace and both Ferrari and McLaren showing stronger form. Verstappen’s teammate Isack Hadjar reached Q3 and will start eighth, while rookie Arvid Lindblad claimed the final spot in the top 10.
With just 8 points from the opening 2 races, Verstappen sits eighth in the standings, already trailing championship leader George Russell by a significant margin heading into Sunday’s race.
(With inputs from Agencies)
March 28, 2026, 3:20 PM IST
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