Verstappen Demands Journalist’s Removal at Japanese Grand Prix Press Conference

SUZUKA, JAPAN — Max Verstappen requested a journalist be removed from his press conference ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix due to a question posed during last year’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

The four-time Formula 1 World Champion refused to begin his media session until the journalist departed Red Bull’s hospitality area, stating, “I’m not speaking before he’s leaving” and directly telling the journalist to “get out.”

Verstappen confirmed his demand stemmed from a question the journalist asked during the post-race news conference in Abu Dhabi in 2025, which subsequently gained traction online.

The question from Abu Dhabi referenced Verstappen’s 10-second penalty at the 2025 Spanish Grand Prix for colliding with George Russell’s car.

The penalty dropped Verstappen from fifth place to tenth, costing him nine championship points in a season where he ultimately missed the title by just two points at the final round.

On Thursday at Suzuka, Verstappen identified the same journalist and requested his removal from the press conference following a brief exchange.

Verstappen: “One second, I’m not speaking before he’s leaving.”

Journalist: “Seriously?”

Verstappen: “Yeah.”

Journalist: “Because of the question last year?”

Verstappen: “Yeah.”

Journalist: “You want me to leave?”

Verstappen: “Yeah.”

Journalist: “Just because of the question I asked you in Abu Dhabi.”

Verstappen: “Yeah.”

Journalist: “About why you…”

Verstappen: “Yeah.”

Journalist: “About Spain.”

Verstappen: “Get out.”

Journalist: “You’re really, really that upset about it?”

Verstappen: “Get out. Yeah. Get out.”

After the journalist left, Verstappen added, “Now we can start.”