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

Max Verstappen ejects British journalist from press conference following past dispute over ‘stupid grin’ and questioning

During the lead-up to the Japanese Grand Prix, Max Verstappen demonstrated his frustration by expelling a British journalist from his press conference. The four-time world champion instructed Giles Richards of the Guardian to leave the Red Bull hospitality zone three times, declaring, “I’m not speaking before he leaves.”

The incident stemmed from a previous disagreement in Abu Dhabi last December, the closing race of the 2025 season, where Verstappen narrowly missed securing a fifth consecutive title to Lando Norris by two points. Richards had previously questioned Verstappen about his mistake in Barcelona, which cost him nine crucial points, during the same season.

Verstappen’s reaction to past criticism

At the time, Verstappen had snapped: “You forget about all the other stuff that happened in my season. 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.”

This tension resurfaced during the recent press conference. As Verstappen prepared for his customary media session, he spotted Richards and ordered him to leave. When asked to depart, the journalist responded with surprise: “Seriously?”

The exchange escalated as Richards moved to retrieve his recording equipment. He countered: “You want me to leave? It’s just the question I asked you in Abu Dhabi? About Spain?”

After a 30-second confrontation, Richards exited the suite, shaking his head as he left. Verstappen then proceeded to answer questions from the rest of the press contingent for the following 10 minutes, undisturbed by the earlier altercation.