Vortex in Formula 1
Max Verstappen throws journalists out
March 26, 2026 – 10:07 amReading time: 1 min.
Shortly before the start of a media round, Max Verstappen throws a reporter out. The reason: A question that went back months. What’s behind it.
At the start of a media round in Suzuka (Japan), Max Verstappen expelled British journalist Giles Richards from the room. “One second. I won’t say anything until he’s gone,” the Dutchman said clearly. The Guardian reporter reacted with surprise: “Me? Seriously? Because of the question I asked you in Abu Dhabi? Because of Spain?” Verstappen didn’t respond to this and remained firm: “Get out.” After Richards had actually left the room, Verstappen opened the round: “Now we can get started.”
What had happened? At last season’s finale in Abu Dhabi, Verstappen was asked whether he would regret an incident against British Mercedes driver George Russell at the Barcelona Grand Prix. After a collision, the Dutchman was asked by his race engineer to give up the position because he had shortened the race in the duel.
Verstappen reacted well. Although he let Russell pass, he crashed into his car shortly afterwards. Verstappen received a ten-second penalty, fell from fifth to tenth place and thus lost nine important points in the title race to eventual world champion Lando Norris. In the end, Verstappen was only two points behind the McLaren driver.
