Max Verstappen ejects British journalist Giles Richards from Japanese Grand Prix press conference after reigniting Abu Dhabi 2025 feud

Max Verstappen sparked headlines this week after ejecting a British journalist from his press conference ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix.

The four-time Formula 1 world champion’s reaction was swift and unmistakable, leaving onlookers stunned.

The incident occurred as Giles Richards, a reporter for the Guardian, settled into the Red Bull hospitality suite for the customary pre-race briefing.

Verstappen immediately singled him out and told him to leave—not once, but three times—stopping the press session in its tracks.

“I’m not speaking before he leaves,” Verstappen declared, his frustration palpable.

The Origins of the Tension

The dispute isn’t new.

It traces back to the final race of the 2025 season in Abu Dhabi, where Verstappen narrowly missed a fifth consecutive championship, losing to Lando Norris by just two points.

At the time, Richards had pressed Verstappen about an on-track collision with George Russell in Spain, which had cost him nine crucial points.

Verstappen fired back, visibly annoyed:

“You forget about all the other stuff that happened in my season.

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The only thing that 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.”

That exchange clearly left a lasting mark, as Verstappen’s latest confrontation showed.

A Fiery Exchange in Japan

As Richards moved to gather his recording equipment, the tension flared once more.

The journalist tried to clarify the reason for his expulsion:

Journalist: “Because of the question last year?”
Verstappen: “Yeah.”
Journalist: “You want me to leave? It’s just the question I asked you in Abu Dhabi? About Spain?”
Verstappen: “Get out. Get out.”

The 30-second confrontation ended with Richards rolling his eyes and exiting the suite, while Verstappen resumed the press conference with the remaining media for the next ten minutes.

Impact and Consequences

The episode highlights Verstappen’s low tolerance for reminders of past frustrations, and it has reignited debate about driver-media relations in Formula 1.

Fans and analysts are divided: some see Verstappen’s response as understandable given the history, while others criticize the show of temper on the global stage.

Journalists covering the sport now face questions about boundaries and how past incidents might resurface in press interactions.

What’s Next?

Red Bull has not issued a formal statement regarding the confrontation, and it remains unclear whether the team or F1 authorities will address it.

The incident may also influence Richards’ future attendance at Red Bull press events or prompt discussions about formal protocols for handling sensitive questions.

Meanwhile, Verstappen and his team turn attention fully toward the Japanese Grand Prix, where race strategy and championship standings remain the focus.

Summary

Max Verstappen’s pre-race press conference in Japan turned confrontational when he ordered Guardian journalist Giles Richards to leave, citing a question from last year in Abu Dhabi.

The short but heated exchange underscores lingering tensions from Verstappen’s narrowly missed fifth consecutive title and raises questions about press-driver dynamics in Formula 1.

Bulleted Takeaways

• Max Verstappen told Guardian journalist Giles Richards to leave his Japanese Grand Prix press briefing three times.
• The incident stems from a heated exchange at Abu Dhabi 2025 after Verstappen lost the championship to Lando Norris by two points.
• Richards had questioned Verstappen about a collision with George Russell in Spain that cost him nine points.
• Verstappen’s response was immediate, leaving the press conference paused for 30 seconds.
• The confrontation sparks renewed debate on driver-media relations and handling sensitive questions in Formula 1.