Max Verstappen gets British journalist THROWN OUT of a press conference after taking exception to his questions and ‘stupid grin’ last year

Max Verstappen Expels British Journalist from Press Conference Over Past Dispute

During a recent press conference ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix, Max Verstappen escalated tensions by ordering British journalist Giles Richards from the Guardian to exit the Red Bull hospitality area. The four-time F1 world champion repeated the instruction three times, declaring, “I’m not speaking before he leaves,” as Richards attempted to remain.

Ancient Grudge Fuels Current Outburst

The altercation traced its roots to a heated exchange in Abu Dhabi last December, the concluding race of the 2025 season. Verstappen had been denied a fifth successive title by Lando Norris, with a two-point gap deciding the outcome. Richards had previously questioned Verstappen about a critical moment in Spain, where a collision with George Russell cost him nine crucial points.

“You forget about all the other stuff that happened in my season,” Verstappen had retorted at the time. “The only thing you mention is Barcelona. I knew that would come. And you are giving me a stupid grin now. It is part of racing. You live and learn.”

In the latest encounter, Richards was caught off guard when Verstappen spotted him during the press briefing. The driver’s frustration resurfaced as he demanded the journalist leave immediately. Richards, visibly surprised, responded with, “Seriously?”

“You want me to leave? It’s just the question I asked you in Abu Dhabi? About Spain?”

After a brief 30-second confrontation, Richards departed the room, shaking his head as he exited. Verstappen then proceeded to field questions from the remaining media for the next ten minutes, his demeanor seemingly calmer but his message clear.