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Verstappen Demands Journalist's Removal from Press Conference

Published March 26, 2026, 09:20
Verstappen Demands Journalist's Removal from Press Conference

Max Verstappen caused tension at the press conference ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix, demanding that a journalist leave the room in order to speak to the media. The incident refers to a previous dispute with journalist Jill Richards, who had irritated Verstappen with questions about the accident in Barcelona and its potential impact on the championship. Verstappen had reacted strongly to the previous question, telling the journalist not to give him "that stupid smile." This time, he stated that he would only speak when the journalist left the room. The journalist left, and Verstappen eventually spoke to the media, but the incident highlights the tension between the driver and some representatives of the press.