“That’s the job.” Journalist responds to Verstappen clash – The fallout from Max Verstappen’s dramatic walkout during a press conference in Suzuka has taken a new turn, with Giles Richards offering a measured yet revealing response to the incident that has dominated the Formula 1 headlines.
In his article, the veteran reporter made it clear that he was both surprised and disappointed by Verstappen’s actions, but he stopped short of escalating the feud. Instead, he pointed to broader issues within the sport.
‘Blindsided’ in Suzuka
Richards described the moment he was singled out by the Dutch driver as unexpected and unprecedented in his career. Having covered Formula 1 for over a decade, he admitted that he had never before been asked to leave a press conference.
The exchange itself was brief but striking. Upon spotting Richards, Verstappen refused to speak unless the journalist left the room, ultimately forcing the organisers into an awkward situation.
Despite the tension, Richards emphasised that he was more caught off guard by the incident than anything else. He noted that his past interactions with Verstappen had largely been positive and respectful, making the abrupt shift all the more surprising.
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The question that lingered
At the heart of the dispute lies a single moment from the 2025 season that clearly left a lasting impression on Verstappen.
Richards confirmed that the issue stemmed from a question he had asked after the Abu Dhabi finale, referencing a controversial collision between Verstappen and George Russell at the Spanish Grand Prix.
That incident resulted in a penalty for Verstappen, costing him valuable points and ultimately causing him to lose the title fight by a narrow margin. When asked about the clash, Verstappen reacted sharply at the time — an exchange that appears to have continued into 2026.
Richards stood by the question, making it clear that he viewed it as a necessary part of his role.
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“There are more serious issues than a feud.”
While the episode has generated widespread attention, Richards was careful to put it into perspective. He played down the personal nature of the dispute, noting that there are far more significant issues beyond a disagreement between a driver and a journalist.
By doing so, he avoided further inflaming tensions, instead framing the situation as an unfortunate but ultimately minor clash within the high-pressure environment of Formula 1.
However, he did acknowledge the uncomfortable reality that followed. Within hours of the incident, he revealed that he had received abusive messages accusing him of bias, highlighting the often toxic reaction that can accompany high-profile controversies in the sport.
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Support from the paddock
The reaction from fellow journalists was swift, with many expressing shock at Verstappen’s actions. According to Richards, members of the press pack offered their support, with some privately criticising the Red Bull driver’s behaviour as out of line.
Such incidents remain rare in Formula 1, where relationships between drivers and the media, while occasionally strained, are generally characterised by mutual professionalism.
Richards also touched on the recurring accusations of bias that journalists face, noting that he has previously been labelled both pro- and anti-driver, including in relation to figures such as Lewis Hamilton.
Despite everything, Richards struck a notably conciliatory tone when addressing Verstappen directly. He reiterated his admiration for the driver’s talent and expressed hope that their working relationship could be repaired in future.
Crucially, he defended the role of journalism in Formula 1, emphasising that asking difficult or uncomfortable questions is an essential part of the job.
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Verstappen has a history of tension with the media
The Suzuka confrontation was not an isolated incident in his relationship with the press. Over the years, he and Red Bull Racing have occasionally clashed with journalists, highlighting the sometimes tense relationship between the team, its star driver, and the press.
One notable example occurred in 2023 with Sky Sports F1’s Ted Kravitz. During a post-race interview, Kravitz asked a pointed question about team orders and strategic decisions that had impacted Verstappen’s championship campaign.
Verstappen’s response was short and dismissive, and Red Bull staff later voiced their frustration over what they saw as “persistent negative framing” in the media coverage. This sparked a debate in the paddock about how much scrutiny top drivers should tolerate versus journalists’ duty to ask tough questions.
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2021 Abu Dhabi clash with Sky Sports
Tensions with Kravitz go back even further. Following the controversial 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Kravitz described Verstappen’s championship victory over Lewis Hamilton as ‘stolen’, in reference to the race director’s late-race decisions regarding the safety car. Red Bull considered this characterisation to be unfair and inflammatory.
In response, the team reportedly barred Kravitz from direct access to Red Bull interviews for a period of time, marking one of the rare instances of formal media restrictions imposed by the team.
Similarly, Verstappen is known to react sharply when journalists revisit incidents from previous races, particularly those involving penalties or controversial collisions. The clash with George Russell at the Spanish Grand Prix is only the most recent example of this. Over time, such incidents have reinforced the perception that, while Verstappen is generally professional and courteous in interviews, he is highly sensitive to questions touching on past mistakes or perceived slights.
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Red Bull acknowledge Verstappen can be ‘difficult’ with the media
Even within Red Bull Racing, insiders have acknowledged the difficulty of managing his media interactions. Verstappen’s immense popularity and status as a four-time world champion subject him to intense scrutiny, and his team has occasionally struggled to strike a balance between his focus on the track and the press’s role in holding him accountable.
The Suzuka episode with Giles Richards is another example of this, demonstrating that Verstappen’s occasionally adversarial approach to the media is indicative of a wider, ongoing tension that must be carefully navigated by teams, journalists, and the driver himself.
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If the journalist had been the one to raise the point again, then I might have considered it reasonable for Verstappen to be upset and ask him to leave, but to point blank demand he go merely for being there months after a question Max didn’t like is petty and embarrassing (not to mention a spot of entitled grand-standing). It is, to put it mildly, not a good look for Red Bull or the driver himself.
Frankly if the other press representatives there had all walked out I’d be more impressed at a sign of genuine solidarity rather than sniping in the media centre afterwards.