Why Max Verstappen Told Me toLeave the Press Conference

Overall, I consider myself fortunate to have a career that pays me to report on Formula One, a sport I’ve followed since 1976. Thus I hesitate to complain, yet I was genuinely upset when Max Verstappen removed me from his press briefing on Thursday at the Japanese Grand Prix, following a question I posed at the close of the previous season.

Our first encounter in 2026 took place at Suzuka, revealing the Dutch driver’s remarkably sharp memory. Upon seeing me he stared, smiled and said he would not answer questions unless I exited. During a brief 30‑second exchange he twice told me to “get out.” I have never before been expelled from a press conference; such an incident is exceedingly uncommon for a Formula One reporter, with hardly anyone remembering more than a couple of similar cases.

Over more than ten years covering the sport I have spoken with Verstappen about a dozen occasions, each encounter cordial and good‑natured. His exceptional skill earned praise and admiration in my pieces, while criticism has been scarce and only applied when justified.

However, one episode from last year appears to have struck a chord. At the Spanish Grand Prix Verstappen collided with the side of George Russell’s car, earning a ten‑second penalty that slipped him from fifth to tenth and cost nine points. By season’s end, following a remarkable comeback (which I lauded) and some luck as McLaren shed points in the final rounds, Verstappen fell short of defending his title by just two points.

After the Abu Dhabi season finale I inquired how he felt about that incident and whether he harboured any regret—a question that needed posing. Verstappen took offence, replying: “You ignore everything else that occurred during my year; the sole focus is Barcelona. I anticipated this. You’re flashing a foolish grin.”

I’m uncertain whether I actually wore a foolish grin. I was certainly startled by the force of his reply, which may have triggered a nervous smile. Nevertheless I did not find it amusing, nor was I deriving pleasure from his discomfort.

Thus we arrived at the Japanese press conference. After being informed he would not speak unless I departed, I queried whether this stemmed from the Abu Dhabi question. He affirmed it. Once again I was startled; perhaps I wore another nervous grin. I then asked him to confirm that the Abu Dhabi query regarding Spain was the cause. He confirmed it, responding: “You’re really that upset about it?” I asked, and he answered: “Get out. Yeah. Get out.”

Having received the order to leave, I withdrew. Verstappen smiled throughout the exchange; maybe he was merely relishing the power shift. The day proceeded, and there are undoubtedly weightier issues worldwide than a Formula One driver being annoyed with me.

Within two hours an individual located my e‑mail address. The message read: “You’re the problem. You’re the toxic dipshit responsible for the entire British bias in F1. You’re the worst.” As far as insults go, at least the apostrophes were correctly placed.