FIA and F1 media in talks over Verstappen sending British journalist away

On the eve of the Japanese Grand Prix, Verstappen caused a stir in the F1 paddock by telling a journalist from The Guardian to leave the media session. The reason, in his view, was the condescending way he felt he had been treated by the reporter in question after last season’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

"I have a lot of respect for everyone and I get asked a lot of questions, a lot of stupid questions as well, but I answer them. That's fine. It's not always that a question is great or whatever, but that's part of Formula 1," Verstappen later told Viaplay.

He emphasized that he had already answered this specific question several times. "Like 20 times. It's not about the question. I always explain it very well about the thought process and what happened back. But after the final race when you ask that question and you start laughing in my face while asking the question, it’s clearly done with bad intent to ask the question. At that point it shows a massive lack of respect," he explained.

In turn, the journalist reacted with shock to being sent away. The Brit claimed to be unaware of any wrongdoing regarding what happened during last year's season finale. "I’m not sure I had a stupid grin. I was certainly taken aback by the vehemence of his reply and it might have prompted a nervous smile. But I did not think it was funny, nor was I enjoying myself at his expense," he reflected.

After the incident between Verstappen and the journalist, the matter was discussed within the F1 Media Advisory Council, which includes several leading Formula 1 reporters. Together with the journalist concerned, there was then a meeting with the FIA, which in turn was said to have conveyed concerns about what happened to Red Bull Racing.

The Guardian reporter is now said to have discussed the matter with Red Bull Racing’s head of communications. Verstappen has reportedly not had a meeting with the journalist. GPblog understands that Verstappen does not intend to do so either.

After the dismissal of Christian Horner, Paul Smith, Red Bull Racing’s long-time head of communications, also left. Following the appointment of a successor, Red Bull has become more cautious in communicating with the media.