Red Bull Racing Formula 1 driver Max Verstappen has had several controversial moments in the past that continue to frustrate him. Something similar happened today during the Japanese Grand Prix media session at Suzuka, when Verstappen asked a journalist working for The Guardian to “get out.”
The 2026 F1 season hasn’t been positive for the Dutchman thus far, given his dislike of the current generation of cars. However, a tense encounter with a journalist made headlines as Verstappen was adamant he wouldn’t answer further questions until that journalist was out of the room.
Verstappen’s resentment toward the journalist stems from an interview with him after the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where he lost the championship to McLaren’s Lando Norris by just two points.
The journalist had asked Verstappen whether the controversial incident involving George Russell at the 2025 Spanish GP had cost him enough points to ultimately lose the championship in Abu Dhabi.
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Verstappen’s angry response was quoted by Motorsportweek.com. He said:
“You forget all the other stuff that happened in my season.
“The only thing you mention is Barcelona. I knew that would come.”
Continuing his charge, Verstappen targeted the journalist for asking only about Barcelona, when there were several eventful moments from the 2025 season. He said:
“You’re giving me a stupid grin now. I don’t know. Yeah, it’s part of racing at the end. You live and learn.
“The championship is one of 24 rounds. I’ve also had a lot of early Christmas presents given to me in the second half, so you can also question that.”
Journalist Faces Verstappen’s Wrath in Japan
Today, the same journalist was among those attending Verstappen’s written media session at Suzuka. Upon noticing him, Verstappen refused to answer any questions until the journalist left the room. He said:
“One second. I’m not speaking before he’s leaving”.
When the journalist asked with surprise, “Seriously?” Verstappen affirmed, “Yeah.”
The journalist asked if it was related to the question he had asked in Abu Dhabi last year. Verstappen replied: “Yeah.”
Offering his justification, the journalist said: “It’s just a question I asked in Abu Dhabi…about Spain?”
Verstappen replied: “Get out.”
Before exiting the room, the journalist asked Verstappen, “You’re really that upset about it?” This prompted Verstappen to repeat his request.
It remains to be seen whether this event escalates or is resolved through a compromise between both parties.
