Verstappen kicked a journalist out of his press conference
Four-time Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen sparked a scandal ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix by issuing an ultimatum to the organizers.
The Dutch driver categorically refused to speak with the press while Giles Richards, a representative of The Guardian, was present in the room.
The situation led to a brief altercation, resulting in the journalist being forced to leave the room.
The reason for the driver’s sharp reaction was a personal animosity toward the reporter that arose after the end of last season.
“I won’t speak while he’s here,” Verstappen declared, cutting off any attempts at compromise.
The event organizers were forced to accommodate the racing star to avoid disrupting the official part of the media day.
The conflict between the athlete and the journalist began after the final round of the championship in Abu Dhabi.
At that time, Richards asked Verstappen an awkward question about his collision with British driver George Russell during the Spanish Grand Prix.
The journalist asked if the driver regretted the crash, which led to penalties and the loss of crucial points.
The consequences of that incident on the track proved fatal for the Dutchman’s championship ambitions last season.
At the end of the championship, the 28-year-old driver finished second in the drivers’ standings, trailing British driver Lando Norris by just two points. It is clear that even now, the mention of this incident still evokes a strong emotional reaction from the champion.
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