Max Verstappen Forces Ejection of Veteran Journalist From Japanese Grand Prix Media Session Following 2025 Dispute

Max Verstappen sparks controversy by removing journalist Giles Richards from a Japanese GP press session. Learn about the subsequent wave of online abuse.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 28, 2026, 6:17 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from PlanetF1

A Targeted Confrontation in Red Bull Hospitality

The typical pre-race media cycle at the Suzuka Circuit was abruptly interrupted by a rare display of driver-led censorship during a scheduled Red Bull press event. Max Verstappen, the four-time world champion, reportedly halted proceedings the moment he identified Giles Richards among the gathered press corps. Witnesses described a tense standoff where the driver explicitly stated that he would not offer any comments until the specific journalist vacated the premises. This maneuver represents a significant escalation in the increasingly friction-filled relationship between elite athletes and the specialized media outlets that cover the sport on a global scale.

The Catalyst of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Inquiry

The roots of this professional animosity can be traced back to the conclusion of the 2025 season during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend. During that event, Richards had questioned Verstappen regarding a controversial collision with George Russell that occurred earlier that year at the Spanish Grand Prix. The inquiry sought to determine if the driver felt any remorse or regret for the incident, a standard journalistic probe that appears to have caused deep and lasting offense. By referencing this specific interaction as the grounds for ejection in 2026, Verstappen has signaled that he maintains a detailed and unforgiving memory of critical questioning from the previous championship cycle.

Professional Disappointment and Historical Context

In a formal response published via The Guardian, Richards expressed a sense of deep disappointment regarding the ordeal and the manner in which he was told to "get out" of the session. The journalist highlighted that his previous interactions with the Red Bull driver—spanning roughly a dozen interviews—had been characterized by a friendly and good-humored professional rapport. He defended his editorial record, noting that his critiques of the driver had been minimal and were only issued when the circumstances of the race weekend strictly warranted such analysis. This latest incident marks a sharp departure from that established history, suggesting a narrowing of media tolerance within the Red Bull camp.