From Max Verstappen stealing the spotlight with his confrontation at the Japanese Grand Prix to Lewis Hamilton speaking candidly about Scuderia Ferrari, here’s your daily round-up of the biggest happenings in Formula 1. Verstappen refused to start his media session at Suzuka until a specific journalist had left the room. The Dutchman was on press duty ahead of the race weekend, following his recent competition at the Nordschleife.
Verstappen insisted he would not answer questions until a reporter from The Guardian exited. “I’m not speaking before he’s leaving,” he said.
Max Verstappen in Japan - Photo: Race Pictures
The tension reportedly stemmed from a question the same journalist had asked after last season’s title decider in Abu Dhabi, specifically whether Verstappen regretted the incident in Spain involving George Russell and if it ultimately helped hand the championship to Lando Norris.
Hamilton took a measured approach when asked about Ferrari’s chances of keeping Mercedes at bay at the Japanese Grand Prix.
The seven-time world champion was questioned on whether Ferrari could build a significant gap to avoid being caught, a scenario that has played out in several races this season. Hamilton downplayed the possibility, emphasising how closely matched the two teams have been so far.
Lewis Hamilton - Photo: Race Pictures
In the opening two race weekends, Ferrari often gained an early advantage off the line, but Mercedes consistently fought back during the races to claim victory on both occasions.
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