Media Day Gets Chaotic in Tokyo

Max Verstappen’s media session in Suzuka did not begin immediately, as he refused to start speaking while The Guardian journalist Giles Richards was present in the room. The Red Bull Racing driver stated that he would not provide any comments in his presence.

It should be recalled that tensions between the two arose following a press conference in Abu Dhabi last season, when Richards asked Verstappen whether he regretted the incident with George Russell in Barcelona. According to the journalist, that episode could have cost Verstappen the championship title. In response, Verstappen stated at the time that his season could not be reduced to a single moment, describing the question as biased and unwelcome.

In Suzuka, the four-time world champion once again declined to address the situation until the reporter left. After a brief exchange with Richards, during which the journalist asked whether the reaction was related to the previous year’s question, Verstappen confirmed his position, and the media representative subsequently left the press area.

Following this, the Red Bull Racing driver calmly continued answering questions from other journalists.