Max Verstappen throws journalist out before press conference. What actually happened?
Miguel Solomons
Dailysports's expert
Formula 1 returns this weekend with a stage in Japan, but controversy erupted even before it began, involving Max Verstappen.
Details: Ahead of the press conference, the Red Bull driver decided to have one of the journalists removed. He refused to begin speaking until the media representative had left the room.
Quote:
Verstappen: “One second. I’m not going to speak until he leaves.”
“Seriously?” the journalist asked, to which Verstappen replied: “Yes.”
Journalist: “Because of a question last year?”
Verstappen: “Yes.”
Journalist: “Do you want me to leave?”
Verstappen: “Yes.”
Journalist: “The same question I asked you in Abu Dhabi?”
Verstappen: “Yes.”
Journalist: “About Spain?”
Verstappen: “Get out.”
Reminder: The 2026 Formula 1 calendar has undergone significant changes, with two Grands Prix cancelled.
