Verstappen has absolutely no need for that strange behavior toward a journalist
Photo: Race Pictures
Updated: 15:16, 26 Mar
26 Comments
Ludo van Denderen is a motorsport journalist at GPblog, specializing in Formula 1 and international racing series. With decades of experience in sports journalism and a long-standing presence in the paddock, he delivers reliable analysis, exclusive interviews, and in-depth coverage of the global motorsport world.
Max Verstappen is often praised for his honesty and for always saying what he thinks. On Thursday in Japan, however, the Red Bull Racing driver went much too far by bluntly showing a journalist the door.
It was a big surprise, not only for the journalist from The Guardian, but for all media present in Red Bull Racing’s hospitality. At the start of his Q&A, Max Verstappen stated he did not want to begin until the British reporter had left.
Verstappen had not forgotten that, in his view, the journalist had asked an overly critical question after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Back then, the Brit wanted to know whether Verstappen regretted a collision with George Russell, for which the Dutchman was penalised by the stewards at the time.
Max Verstappen - Photo: Red Bull Content Pool
The points he missed because of that ultimately left Verstappen short of becoming champion in 2025. He had already reacted prickly to that question, and in Suzuka he went a step further by unceremoniously showing the journalist the door.
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No other journalist then stood up in solidarity, apparently in this world, it’s everyone for themselves. That doesn’t mean Verstappen’s behaviour should be accepted blindly. After all, this journalist is simply doing his job and must ask critical questions, whether the interviewee likes it or not.
Read also
'Max Verstappen should rise above this'
It would be a poor development if the press functioned as errand boys for teams, producing only favorable articles and asking positive questions. Surely no one wants that?
It’s easy to say in hindsight, but Verstappen would have been smarter to take the journalist aside, express his displeasure once more, and then move on with the day.
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A great champion like Verstappen certainly doesn’t need this; he should rise above everything that’s said and written. Let it go, Max, let it go!
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