Verstappen demands journalist's removal from media session

Suzuka—Max Verstappen brought an abrupt halt to his scheduled media availability at the Japanese Grand Prix on Thursday, insisting that a reporter from The Guardian leave the room before he would answer any questions.

The three-time world champion cited an unresolved objection to a question the same journalist posed during the post-race press conference at last December’s Abu Dhabi finale, which settled the 2022 Formula 1 championship. Verstappen did not elaborate on the specifics of that exchange, but team officials confirmed he refused to begin the current session until the reporter exited.

After a brief delay, the journalist left and the session proceeded. Neither Verstappen’s Red Bull Racing team nor Formula 1’s media staff offered further comment on the incident.