The numbers
In a surprising turn of events at the Japanese Grand Prix on March 26, 2026, Max Verstappen ejected journalist Giles Richards from a press conference, an incident that has drawn significant attention in the world of Formula One. The confrontation stemmed from a question Richards posed regarding Verstappen’s performance during the 2025 season finale in Abu Dhabi, which had implications for his championship standing.
During the press conference, Verstappen refused to begin speaking until Richards left the room, stating, “Get out. Yeah. Get out.” This outburst was reportedly triggered not just by the content of the question but also by the manner in which it was asked. The incident is considered extremely rare in the realm of F1 journalism, where such confrontations are uncommon.
Richards had previously questioned Verstappen about a controversial incident involving George Russell at the Spanish Grand Prix, where Verstappen received a 10-second penalty that ultimately cost him nine points in the championship race. This context adds a layer of complexity to the press conference incident, as it highlights the ongoing tensions that can arise in high-stakes sports environments.
Following the incident, Richards expressed his disappointment, stating, “I still admire Verstappen and I hope we can enjoy a better relationship in the future.” His colleagues in the press pack voiced their shock and concern for his wellbeing, emphasizing the unexpected nature of Verstappen’s reaction.
In a troubling aftermath, Richards received an abusive email accusing him of bias in Formula One, with the sender labeling him as “the toxic dipshit who’s responsible for the whole British bias in F1.” This response underscores the intense scrutiny and pressure journalists face in the sports industry, particularly when covering high-profile athletes like Verstappen.
Richards, who has covered Formula One for over a decade and has interviewed Verstappen approximately a dozen times, found this incident particularly disheartening. The press conference disruption marks the first time he has been asked to leave such an event, raising questions about the professionalism expected in these settings.
As observers reflect on this incident, many are left wondering how it will impact the relationship between Verstappen and the media moving forward. The dynamics of press interactions in Formula One are crucial, and this incident may serve as a catalyst for discussions about the treatment of journalists in the sport.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding any official responses from Formula One or further actions that may be taken in light of this incident. As the F1 community processes this event, the implications for both Verstappen and Richards continue to unfold.