Formula 1 superstar Max Verstappen can be tough. This applies not only to his actions on race tracks around the world, but also to his dealings with media representatives. British F1 journalist Giles Richards also felt this on Thursday before the Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka.
Max Verstappen caused a real scandal at the official press conference before the start of the Grand Prix in Suzuka. At the beginning of the question and answer session, the Red Bull driver intervened directly and stopped the PK before it had even really started.
Reason: Journalist Giles Richards from the Guardian was also present. Verstappen and Richards have an inglorious history from last year. The Dutchman made it very clear that he would not speak under the circumstances of Giles Richards’ presence: “One second. I won’t say anything until he’s gone.”
The reporter reacted with surprise: “Me? Seriously?” and asked: “Because of the question I asked you in Abu Dhabi? Because of Spain?” But Verstappen remained uncompromising and sent him out the door with the words: “Get out.”
Only after Richards had actually left the room did the Dutchman appear ready to talk: “Now we can start.”
The background to the scandal dates back months. At the season finale in December 2025 in Abu Dhabi, Richards discussed a scene from Barcelona (again from June 2025) that apparently still concerns Verstappen.
Verstappen is already way behind in the new Formula 1 year
At that time, a controversial situation arose in the duel with George Russell: After an overtaking maneuver, Verstappen was supposed to give his position back to Russell, which he did reluctantly. Shortly afterwards there was a collision between the two, triggered by the four-time world champion. The result: a ten-second penalty, a drop from fifth place to tenth and a bitter setback in the title race against Lando Norris.
Even back then, Verstappen reacted irritably to critical questions. Now the conflict has escalated publicly and gives a deep insight into how tense the situation of the dethroned world champion is in the new Formula 1 year.
In terms of sport, things are currently anything but smooth for Verstappen. Before the race in Japan he is in eighth place in the World Championship standings with just eight points. The gap to leader Russell is already 43 points.
