Max Verstappen Forces Journalist Exit in Explosive Press Conference Moment at Suzuka

Max Verstappen has shockingly demanded the exit of The Guardian's journalist Giles Richards during the Japanese GP press conference.

Max Verstappen Forces Journalist Exit in Explosive Press Conference Moment at Suzuka

Max Verstappen (via Red Bull)

In Short
  • Max Verstappen demanded a journalist leave a press conference before answering questions.
  • He expressed frustration over past questions regarding his championship loss to Lando Norris.
  • Verstappen remains confident in Red Bull's ability to improve after a challenging start to the 2026 season.

Max Verstappen has not remained secretive about his dislike of the British media, especially in recent years. The Dutchman has often lashed out at the journalists for asking ‘stupid’ questions. Now, during the Japanese GP media day, Verstappen brutally asked a specific journalist to exit the building before he would answer questions from other journalists.

Back when Max Verstappen lost the championship by just two points to Lando Norris at the Abu Dhabi GP, he was questioned about his thoughts on the title loss. Notably, The Guardian’s Giles Richards questioned whether the Dutchman regretted his decisions at the 2025 Spanish GP and other races where he essentially lost the title. Verstappen then criticized the question and was visibly frustrated at the ‘stupid grin’ shown by the journalist.

Max Verstappen might have forgiven the incident back then; however, he certainly did not forget it. Now, during the Japanese GP press conference, Verstappen had a simple but unusual ask. The Dutchman clearly stated that he wasn’t going to answer any questions until Giles Richards left the building. Richards gave in to the demand and had to leave. This isn’t the first time that Verstappen has showcased some strong feelings against the British media or the FIA.

I’m not speaking before he’s leaving. Now we can start.

Max Verstappen said, as reported by motorsport.com.

Back in 2022, Max Verstappen boycotted the Sky Sports F1 media following their suggestive remarks of Lewis Hamilton being ‘robbed’ of his eighth championship win during the 2021 Abu Dhabi GP. Verstappen has also remarked quite often that he has the ‘wrong passport’ in Formula 1, as being a Dutchman, he is often subjected to humiliation or unusual questioning by the press. Nevertheless, this incident will definitely draw some negative attention towards the four-time champion.

Max Verstappen affirms ‘confidence’ in Red Bull to turn around their 2026 season

Red Bull is currently in a tumultuous state following the beginning of the new regulations in 2026. Max Verstappen has been unable to achieve any notable results. He even suffered from a DNF at the Chinese GP. Despite the team’s shaky start to the season, Verstappen has showcased great confidence in the team to turn around their situation. As such, the four-time champion is confident to perform well at the Japanese GP.

Max Verstappen and Gianpiero Lambiase (via Red Bull)
Max Verstappen and Gianpiero Lambiase (via Red Bull)

Max Verstappen accepted that the first two races of the 2026 season remained more challenging than anticipated for the team. Moreover, he labeled the Chinese GP DNF as ‘unfortunate’, which was caused by issues with ERS cooling. Verstappen acknowledged that there was a lot to improve upon. Ultimately, he has a lot of confidence in the team to have reviewed the issues and work on improving them.

The first two races have been a bit more challenging than we would have liked, and it was unfortunate that we had to retire the car in China with an ERS cooling issue. There is still a lot to do; however, I have a lot of confidence in the team. They have reviewed these issues and have been working hard to optimise the performance of the car.

Max Verstappen noted.

The 2026 season has been interesting so far despite the problematic state for Max Verstappen and Co. Certainly, some exciting things are up next for Verstappen as he looks forward to participating in the 24 Hours of Nurburgring. Now, time will tell about how the Dutchman copes with his dislike of the British press.

Read More: Damon Hill Urges Fans to “Spare a Thought” for Oscar Piastri After Brutal Start to 2026 Season