Max Verstappen, the four-time Formula 1 world champion, delayed the start of his media session ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka Circuit until a journalist from The Guardian, Giles Richards, was asked to leave the room.
Verstappen made it clear he wouldn’t speak while the reporter was present, directly telling him to exit. Despite initial surprise, Richards eventually complied, after which the Dutch driver proceeded with the session.
The tension reportedly dates back to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix last year, when Richards questioned Verstappen about a controversial moment during the Spanish Grand Prix involving George Russell. In that incident, Verstappen appeared to turn into Russell’s car, resulting in a time penalty that cost him valuable championship points.
Although the exchange was brushed off at the time, it seems the episode left a lasting impact. The issue resurfaced at Suzuka, highlighting lingering friction between the driver and the journalist.
