Tensions spanning back to last year’s title decider were reignited ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix, as Max Verstappen ejected a journalist before the start of his open media session.
The four-time world champion halted the start of the session, upon spotting Giles Richards from The Guardian. The Briton having drawn ire from Verstappen in Abu Dhabi over a question aimed at his driving standards.
“I’m not speaking before he’s leaving,” Verstappen said, making it clear he would not commence the session with other journalists until Richards had left the room.
“You want me to leave? Yeah. It’s just a question I asked you about in Abu Dhabi,” Richards sought to clarify before ultimately vacating the premisis.
The question in question from the 2025 title decider, was regarding the collision that Verstappen instigated with Mercedes rival George Russell at the Spanish Grand Prix and whether the points lost there would have been the two-points needed to overcome eventual world champion Lando Norris in the standings.
A 10-second penalty was given to Verstappen after the Russell incident, dropping him from fifth in that race to 10th. Which in terms of points, was a 9-point loss.
Verstappen clawed back a whopping 104-points following the Dutch Grand Prix, to even overhaul the then points leader Oscar Piastri to ultimately finish as runner up to Norris.
During the post-race press conference in Abu Dhabi, Richards put it to Verstappen directly as to whether the Barcelona clash had played a decisive role in his championship loss.
“Max, you lost out to Lando by just two points,” Richards began.
“What do you think now about the incident with George Russell in Spain? Do you regret that looking back in hindsight?”
In response, an agitated Dutchman rebuked: “You forget all the other stuff that happened in my season.
“The only thing you mention is Barcelona. I knew that would come. You’re giving me a stupid grin now.
“I don’t know. Yeah, it’s part of racing at the end. You live and learn.
“The championship is one of 24 rounds. I’ve also had a lot of early Christmas presents given to me in the second half, so you can also question that.”
While Verstappen admitted at a later point that his clash with Russell in Barcelona was a ‘mistake,’ the affect of Richards’ question still many months later irked the 28-year old.
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