Max Verstappen created an awkward scene ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix after refusing to begin his media session until a specific journalist left the room.
The Red Bull driver halted proceedings mid-question, making it clear the issue was not about the present, but something that had been building since last season.
What followed was a tense exchange that quickly went viral.
Max Verstappen refuses media session until journalist leaves
Verstappen stopped the session before it could properly begin, addressing a reporter directly.
“One second; I’m not speaking before he’s leaving,” Verstappen said.
The exchange escalated quickly, with the journalist questioning the decision before Verstappen doubled down.
Journalist: “Seriously?”
Verstappen: “Yeah.”
Journalist: “Because of the question last year?”
Verstappen: “Yeah.”
Journalist: “You want me to leave?”
Verstappen: “Yeah.”
Journalist: “Because of the question I asked you in Abu Dhabi about why…about Spain?”
Verstappen: “Yep. Get out.”
Journalist: “You’re really, really that upset about it?”
Verstappen: “Get out. Now we can start.”
The moment made it clear the issue had not been forgotten, with Verstappen unwilling to engage until the situation was resolved on his terms.
Max Verstappen’s dispute traced back to Abu Dhabi question about Spain incident
The tension stems from an exchange last season, when Verstappen was questioned about a key moment involving George Russell in Spain.
“Max, you lost out to Lando by just two points. What do you think now about the incident with George Russell in Spain? Do you regret that, looking back in hindsight?” the Guardian journalist asked.
“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,” Verstappen said last season.
He added: “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.”
The response showed clear frustration at the time, particularly with how the question framed his season.
That lingering tension ultimately resurfaced in Japan, turning a routine media session into a continuation of last year’s disagreement.
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