- Verstappen wanted a specific journalist out before starting the media session.
- He was upset over that journalist past year’s post-race question in Abu Dhabi.
- He gave the journalist a befitting response about the title loss last year.
Max Verstappen appears to hold grudges with a specific journalist, who questioned him about his 5th WDC title loss in Abu Dhabi last year.
As the season heads to Suzuka, the media session on Thursday was refused to be started by the Dutchman, as he wanted one specific journalist to be removed. He made it clear that until that one media professional doesn’t go out of the room, he won’t start speaking.
Verstappen made an impressive comeback last year mid-season, where he was more than 100 points behind the leading team, McLaren. However, he fought till the very end and had a chance to secure his 5th title, if championship leader Norris had not ended up on the podium.
Despite all his maximum efforts, his comeback fell short, as he lost the title by two points to Norris.
A specific F1 journalist asked him post-race to reflect on his and George Russell’s collision in Spain, which impacted his title points. However, it didn’t sit well with Verstappen at the time, and it doesn’t seem to now either, as reflected in his latest gesture of not having the journalist present in the room.
Verstappen asked a journalist to ‘get out’ at the Japan media day
Verstappen noticed the presence of a specific journalist whose question about the title and Spain point loss frustrated him post-race in Abu Dhabi. As he still appeared to remain upset over their conversation, he refused to start the media session until that journalist was out of the room.
He clearly stated, “One second; I’m not speaking before he’s leaving.” The journalist, in disbelief, asked him, “Seriously,” and Verstappen replied with a yes.
He asked him if the reason for his removal was due to the question he asked post-race in Abu Dhabi about Spain. Verstappen said, “Yes.” He reiterated that if he really wanted him to leave, the Dutchman stuck to his yes answer.
When the journalist asked if he was still angry over the Abu Dhabi question, Verstappen asked him to get out. And once he did, he was ready to begin the session.
Verstappen and the journalist’s feud explained
The feud dates back to the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix post-race, when the journalist asked Verstappen a question related to his 2 points loss to champion Norris. The journalist asked him to share his thoughts on the incident with George Russell in Spain and whether he regrets it now after looking back at it.
Verstappen answered, “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.” He added that wins and losses are part of racing, and that one should “live and learn” from them.”
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,” he further said.
