Verstappen Kicks Out Journalist for “Lack of Respect” in Suzuka

Verstappen Ejects British Journalist from Briefing

Max Verstappen, the renowned Red Bull driver, was involved in an incident during the media session of the Japanese Grand Prix by expelling a British journalist. The reason, according to Verstappen himself, was a “massive lack of respect” perceived in a question asked at the end of last season. The driver refused to start the written media session on Thursday until journalist Giles Richards, from The Guardian, left the team’s facilities. Verstappen insisted that “I will not speak before he leaves”, repeating several times “out.” Verstappen’s annoyance originated from a question Richards asked him after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where the championship was decided. The question referred to an incident the driver had with George Russell, from Mercedes.

The question in question was: “Max, you lost to Lando by only two points. What do you think now about the incident with George Russell in Spain? Do you regret it in retrospect?”

For me, that particular question, I think I’ve answered it about 20 times with different people. So it’s not about the question. I always explain it very well with the thought process and what happened back then.

Max Verstappen

Verstappen explained that the way Richards phrased the question, and especially his reaction with a smile, was what seemed disrespectful to him. The Red Bull driver added that he doesn’t feel the need to be respectful to someone who doesn’t respect him. He assured that although he receives many questions, even some “stupid” ones, he always answers. However, in this case, he perceived a clear bad intention. Verstappen also mentioned that he has had problems with the British media, feeling that he often receives biased coverage, especially during his 2021 title fight with Lewis Hamilton. In response to the situation, Richards wrote about the incident in The Guardian. The journalist admitted that the vehemence of Verstappen’s response surprised him and may have provoked a nervous smile, but denied that he was mocking the driver. It is understood that Red Bull has been in contact with Richards to try to mediate the situation. Verstappen, when asked if he would meet with the journalist, replied “not now”, but left the possibility open for the future.