Verstappen under fire as media union pushes FIA for urgent clarification

The verbal clash between the four-time world champion and a The Guardian journalist on the eve of the Suzuka weekend caused quite a stir, with the Dutchman deliberately refusing to begin his media session until the reporter had left the room.

The situation then escalated into a heated exchange, during which Verstappen repeatedly told him to “get out”, making it clear that his stance stemmed from an incident dating back to a question asked after last year’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

The UIGA has now taken a stand, condemning the Red Bull driver’s actions and issuing a public appeal to the FIA and all parties involved. Below is the full statement.

Reports from German outlet Bild claimed Red Bull Racing had called Max Verstappen in for talks after the Dutchman allegedly asked a British journalist to leave his media session. However, GPblog understands that no such meeting ever took place.

When contacted for clarification regarding a supposed discussion between Laurent Mekies and Verstappen, sources confirmed that no conversation of that nature occurred.

It also remains uncertain whether the journalist - who has since spoken out about the incident - was excluded on a one-off basis or could be barred from attending Verstappen’s future media sessions.