Overview
- Max Verstappen refused to begin Red Bull’s media session in Suzuka until a Guardian reporter left, a standoff that unfolded Thursday during the Japanese Grand Prix weekend.
- Once the reporter exited, Verstappen said “Now we can start” and continued with the press conference, according to multiple reports.
- Verstappen tied his demand to the journalist’s Abu Dhabi question about his 10‑second penalty for contact with George Russell at the 2025 Spanish Grand Prix, which dropped him from fifth to tenth and cost nine points in a title he lost to Lando Norris by two.
- The flashpoint comes as Red Bull struggles under the 2026 rules, with Verstappen on eight points from Australia and China and calling the RB22 in Shanghai “impossible to drive” because the setup felt disconnected.
- Rival form adds pressure, with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc saying he is chasing wins as Mercedes looks very strong under the new package.