Red Bull make decision on the journalist Max Verstappen kicked out after ‘informal meeting’

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Red Bull have reportedly made a decision on the journalist Max Verstappen kicked out ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix. 

Last month, before the race weekend in Suzuka, Verstappen refused to start his press conference until one journalist left the room.

The journalist in question was Giles Richards of The Guardian, who got on the wrong side of Verstappen after asking if his Spanish Grand Prix clash with George Russell cost him the world title.

That was not the first time the Red Bull star had taken action against the media. Verstappen previously boycotted Sky Sports F1 for a race after Ted Kravitz said that Lewis Hamilton was ‘robbed’ of the 2021 title. 

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Red Bull make decision on Giles Richards after Max Verstappen incident

It appears that Red Bull have now decided to take matters into their own hands concerning Richards’ future. 

According to Japanese news outlet Auto Sport, Red Bull have ‘confirmed’ that Richards will be allowed to attend future press conferences involving Verstappen.

It has been claimed that an ‘informal meeting’ was held inside the media centre between a Red Bull spokesperson and Richards.

Although the details of the meeting were not made public, the decision to allow Richards back into Verstappen’s press conferences was confirmed.

It has been suggested that Red Bull decided to take action after realising that Richards is respected in the industry and works for one of the UK’s most well-known news outlets.

READ MORE: James Hinchcliffe believes Max Verstappen’s emotions can ‘outweigh’ feelings within Red Bull

Giles Richards left ‘deeply disappointed’ after being told to ‘get out’ by Max Verstappen

Recalling the incident, Richards admitted that he was left ‘deeply disappointed’ by what happened in Japan.

He also stated that a number of his fellow journalists offered their support after what was described as an ‘extremely rare occurrence’.

Richards wrote on The Guardian’s website: “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.

“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.

“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.”