Breaking Down Verstappen’s Press Conference in Suzuka
Across Formula One many headlines have been written about Max Verstappen ejecting a member of the media from a press conference. But what actually happened and what does this mean for F1 and it’s journalists?
What Happened…
On Thursday, March 25th during media day for the Japanese Grand Prix Red Bull held a press conference in their hospitality suite. When Max arrived he spotted Giles Richards, a British journalist from The Guardian, and told him to “get out”. At first, Giles says he thought Max was “joking”, but he wasn’t and refused to answer any questions until Giles left.
While this may seem abrupt and uncalled for it’s important to remember that this isn’t the first time the two have had a tense encounter.
In the post race press conference for the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where Max lost the championship by just 2 points, Giles asked Max if he regretted the incident he had with George Russell in Barcelona that year. A question Max saw as being not only a repetitive question but one asked with a “stupid grin” on his face which Max claims shows a “lack of respect”.
The Aftermath
Following the Suzuka incident, Giles posted an article where he explained that he’s “not sure [he] had a stupid grin” but rather was “taken aback by the vehemence of [Max’s] reply and it might have prompted a nervous smile.” Other F1 journalists have supported Giles even saying they won’t be interviewing Max following the incident.
When asked by ViaPlay to explain why he kick Giles out, Max said “It's not about the question. But after the final race, when you ask that question and you start laughing in my face while asking the question, and it's clearly done with bad intent to ask the question at that point, it shows a massive lack of respect. So, for me, when you're not respectful towards me I don't need to be respectful towards you. I think that's how it works in life, very straightforward, very simple. And that's why I did that.”
Paddock rumors have also spread that Red Bull’s PR team were not happy with Max and would like to rectify the situation, rebuilding the pairs working relationship. From a PR perspective this makes sense since the team ended the 2025 season on a “PR high” after a season of “crisis.”
Was Max Even Allowed to Kick Him Out?
The short answer is yes.
Article B10.1.1 of the 2026 sporting regulations, which covers “Day before on track running”, states all the driver not selected to participate in the official FIA press conference “must take part in a separate written media and broadcast session organized by their team.” The rules say nothing about the content or duration of these separate sessions, where the incident took place.
It’s also important to note that access to hospitality areas for any F1 team is considered ‘by invitation only’, it does not formally fall under the FIA’s direct gaze. So technically Max asking a journalist to leave is well within his and the teams rights.
What This Means Moving Forward
Moving forward, we may see the FIA create more rules outlining the requirements for teams, drivers, and media on Thursdays interview sessions.
From a PR perspective, F1 will have to balance holding journalists accountable for their actions while also maintaining journalistic free speech. Driver’s and teams understand that sometimes tough questions have to be asked but the difference between a tough question and an offensive one is a fine line that the sport has been toeing for decades.
Source: F1: The Movie, F1.com, AppleTv.com
