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

Max Verstappen Dismisses British Journalist During Press Conference Over Past Dispute

Max Verstappen, the four-time world champion, confronted a British journalist at a press conference ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix. The Dutch driver repeatedly instructed the reporter, Giles Richards of the Guardian, to exit the Red Bull hospitality area, insisting he would not speak until the journalist had departed.

The tension traced back to a heated exchange in Abu Dhabi last December, the concluding race of the 2025 season, where Verstappen fell short of securing a fifth consecutive title to Lando Norris by two points. Richards had previously questioned whether Verstappen’s collision with George Russell in Spain, which cost him nine points, was the primary factor in his title loss. Verstappen had reacted sharply at the time, stating:

“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 incident resurfaced during the recent press conference, prompting Verstappen to demand Richards’ departure. As the journalist walked to retrieve his equipment, he retorted:

“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 room with a dismissive expression, while Verstappen addressed the remaining media for the next ten minutes.