‘Get out’ – Verstappen bans reporter from Japan press conference

Red Bull Racingss Dutch driver Max Verstappen speaks to the press ahead of the Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka on March 26, 2026. (Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP)
nFour-time world champion Max Verstappen was involved in a flashpoint ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix on Thursday when he refused to start his press conference until an English journalist had left the room.
nThe Red Bull driver sat down to speak to reporters at the team’s hospitality suite in Suzuka, but then said, “I’m not speaking before he’s leaving”, and gestured at a journalist from The Guardian newspaper.
nThe journalist asked Verstappen if his demand was because of a question he had asked the driver last season, to which Verstappen replied “yes” and told him to “get out”.
nThe reporter left and Verstappen continued with the press conference.
nThe reporter later told AFP that the incident stemmed from a question he had asked Verstappen after the Dutchman missed out on a fifth world title to Lando Norris by two championship points at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in December.
nThe question centred on the impact of a penalty that Verstappen had picked up for ramming Mercedes driver George Russell at the Spanish Grand Prix in June.
nAFP
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