Why Max Verstappen gave me my marching orders from a press conference | Giles Richards

The former world champion’s ultimatum blindsided me at Suzuka, but there are more serious issues than an F1 driver being cross with you for doing your job

In the grand scheme of things I enjoy a remarkably privileged career, paid to cover Formula One, a sport I have loved since 1976. So I am loath to complain but 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.

Our first face-to-face in 2026 came at Suzuka when it turned out that the Dutchman had a positively elephantine recollection. When he saw me he stared, smiled and declared he would not speak until I left. In the course of a brief 30-second exchange, he told me to “get out” twice. 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.