F1 journalist ‘deeply disappointed’ after Max Verstappen kicked him out of press conference

Follow us on Google Discover

The F1 journalist ejected by Max Verstappen on media day at the Japanese Grand Prix has now given his take on the incident.

In the biggest headline from Thursday’s preamble, Verstappen refused to speak to the press until Giles Richards of The Guardian had left the room. The Dutchman holds a grievance from the end of the 2025 season.

Verstappen previously boycotted Sky Sports F1 for a race after presenter Ted Kravitz suggested that Lewis Hamilton was ‘robbed’ of the 2021 title, so this isn’t his first dispute with a member of the media.

Was Max Verstappen right to kick out a reporter during his press conference?

Last year, the reporter asked Verstappen if his Spanish GP move on George Russell cost him the title.

Comment

Like or Comment

Have your say Sign-in now for free

‘I have never been asked to leave a press conference’ – Giles Richards addresses Max Verstappen spat

Writing on The Guardian website, Richards said he was ‘deeply disappointed’ by what he called an ‘extremely rare occurrence’. He says many of his colleagues have offered their support.

While Richards played down the significance of the story, he was surprised that Verstappen was ‘smiling’ during their back-and-forth.

“I was deeply disappointed when Max Verstappen chose to eject me from his press conference on Thursday at the Japanese Grand Prix over a question asked at the end of last season,” he wrote.

“I have never been asked to leave a press conference. It is an extremely rare occurrence for a journalist in F1, with barely anyone able to recall more than one or two examples.

• READ MORE: Every time Max Verstappen clashed with the media, including 2018 ‘headbutt’ threat

“Marching orders received I duly departed. Verstappen had been smiling throughout the exchange. Perhaps he was simply enjoying the power dynamic? The day carried on; there are far more serious issues in the world than an F1 driver being cross with you.

“Colleagues in the press pack were universally shocked and offered concern for my well-being. ‘Classless,’ noted one with arch disdain over the behaviour. My well-being is fine.”

Richards added that he has been accused of ‘bias’ against multiple big-name drivers during his long career but aims to report ‘as honestly and fairly as possible’. He also clarified that he still ‘admires’ Verstappen and hopes the situation can be resolved.

Why did Max Verstappen eject journalist from Japanese Grand Prix media session?

The dispute dates back to last year’s Abu Dhabi GP, when Richards asked Verstappen whether he regretted his collision with George Russell in Spain. The resulting penalty dropped him from fifth to 10th, costing him nine points.

Verstappen only lost out to Lando Norris by two points in the title race as an epic comeback fell short, and many saw this as a pivotal moment in the season.

Verstappen may have taken exception to Richards’ tone and demeanour, as well as the narrative, when he was asked the question, but the reporter insists he acted professionally.

“I’m not sure I had a stupid grin,” he wrote, referencing Verstappen’s answer in December. “I was certainly taken aback by the vehemence of his reply and it might have prompted a nervous smile. But I did not think it was funny, nor was I enjoying myself at his expense.”