Max Verstappen Expels Journalist from Japan F1 Media Session Over Abu Dhabi Query

Max Verstappen halted a pre-race media briefing at Suzuka on Thursday until a particular reporter left the room. The Dutch driver objected to a question previously asked after last year’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

What happened in the Red Bull hospitality unit

The incident occurred in Red Bull’s media area ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix. Verstappen signalled to a journalist from The Guardian and refused to continue until he departed.

The reporter collected his dictaphone and left calmly. The session then resumed without further disruption.

Why the dispute began

The standoff traced back to a post-race exchange in Abu Dhabi. At that press conference, the same reporter had raised a question about Verstappen’s on-track clash with George Russell in Spain.

The Barcelona collision drew a time penalty. That penalty demoted Verstappen by five places and cost him nine championship points.

Public reaction and history

Footage of the Abu Dhabi exchange circulated widely across social media. The clip remained a talking point in paddocks and on F1 channels.

Verstappen has previously clashed with parts of the media. In 2022, he declined to speak to Sky Sports at Mexico City due to perceived persistent questioning. He later resumed contact with that broadcaster.

On-track topics covered afterwards

Once the room settled, Verstappen answered questions about recent non-F1 outings. He discussed a sports car race at the Nürburgring.

He also spoke about a Nissan GT-R session at Fuji and his views on qualifying at Suzuka.

Season form and car criticism

Verstappen has had a challenging start to this campaign. He has publicly criticised the all-new 2026 cars as “anti-racing” and less enjoyable to drive.

Red Bull’s performance issues showed in the points tally. Verstappen took eight points across the first two rounds.

• Australia: finished sixth after a qualifying crash put him 20th on the grid.
• China: retired after calling his car “undriveable” following qualifying.

Analysis and context

Commentators described the refusal to start a media session until a reporter left as highly unusual. A senior F1 writer said the reaction was firm but rooted in a lingering grievance.

The journalist remained composed during the exchange. Peers noted his standing and respect within the paddock.

In Japan, Max Verstappen effectively expels journalist from an F1 media session over an Abu Dhabi query, a move that underlines ongoing tensions. Filmogaz.com will monitor any further developments.