Verstappen and the journalist had a heated moment in Abu Dhabi after the race, where the Dutchman lost out on the world championship by just two points.

The journalist brought up an incident earlier in the season at the Spanish Grand Prix, where Verstappen drove into George Russell and received a penalty, dropping him to 10th place, losing a number of points that would have become crucial, come Abu Dhabi.

However, half a year onwards from that incident, Verstappen was asked about how it affected the 2025 championship. The Dutchman replied: "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."

Now, a few months later, Verstappen asked the journalist to leave the room, stating that he would not speak before the journalist had done so. The Dutchman evidently remembered the incident from last year.

Today, their exchange at the Japanese GP was heated right from the beginning. Verstappen said: "I'm not speaking before he's leaving." The journalist attempted to speak to Verstappen, saying: "Seriously? Because of the question last year? You want me to leave? About Spain? You're really, really that upset about it?"

The journalist was interrupted periodically after asking each question, with Verstappen saying multiple times: "Yeah, get out."

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