Journalist Max Verstappen kicked out of press conference explains what really happened behind the scenes

The journalist kicked out of a Japanese Grand Prix press conference by Max Verstappen has told his side of the story following the incident.

After one weekend away from the track, F1 returns this weekend in Suzuka, where Verstappen will be hoping to kickstart his 2026 season after a disastrous start.

The four-time world champion crashed out of qualifying in Australia before recovering to sixth, but failed to finish the race in China due to issues with his Red Bull power-unit.

Verstappen's luck didn't change much at the Nurburgring last week, where his Mercedes was disqualified despite winning the race.

The Dutchman returned to F1 life on Thursday, where he was involved in a fiery exchange with The Guardian's Giles Richards during his FIA press conference ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix.

Richards was directly called out by Verstappen due to a question asked in Abu Dhabi last year, with the Red Bull man refusing to answer questions until he had left the room.

Journalist reveals truth after being kicked out by Verstappen

Following the incident, Richards has since spoken out to explain exactly what happened in his most recent piece, admitting he was 'taken aback' by Verstappen's comments.

"When he saw me he stared, smiled, and declared he would not speak until I left," he explained.

"In the course of a brief 30-second exchange, he told me to get out, I have never been asked to leave a press conference.

"It is an extremely rare occurrence for a journalist in F1, with barely anyone able to recall more than one or two examples.

Max Verstappen during his media duties in Japan (credit: getty)

Verstappen confirmed his reasoning was down to Richards' question in Abu Dhabi, where he asked the Dutchman if he regretted purposefully crashing into George Russell during last year's Spanish Grand Prix.

"After being told he would not speak unless I left, I asked if it was because of the question in Abu Dhabi. He said it was. Once more, I was taken aback," he continued.

"I might have had a nervous grin again, who knows? I asked him to confirm if it was because of the question in Abu Dhabi about Spain. He did. 'You’re really that upset about it?' I asked, to which he replied: 'Get out. Yeah. Get out.'"

The incident with Russell in Barcelona resulted in a 10-second penalty for Verstappen which cost him nine points, meaning the 28-year-old would have beaten Lando Norris to the 2025 title.

In his piece, Richards reiterated that he was in a good place following the incident, but thanked his colleagues and those online who had showed him support.

"Marching orders received, I duly departed, Verstappen had been smiling throughout the exchange, perhaps he was simply enjoying the power dynamic?

"The day carried on; there are far more serious problems in the world than an F1 driver being cross with you.

"Colleagues in the press pack were universally shocked and offered concern for my wellbeing. 'Classless,' said one with arch disdain over Verstappen’s behaviour.

"My wellbeing is fine. If anything, the most uncomfortable part is writing about it in the first person. A journalist never wants to be the story, even if it feels unavoidable now," he concluded.

Verstappen later took to the track in Suzuka, where he finished seventh and tenth in the opening two practice sessions as Red Bull continue to struggle.