Max Verstappen orders reporter to ‘get out’ during tense Japanese GP media session

Max Verstappen ordered a reporter to “get out” of a Japanese Grand Prix media session after a tense confrontation over an interaction between the pair last season.

The Red Bull driver has endured a frustrating start to the 2026 Formula 1 season, failing to finish in China to sit eighth in the standings and way off the early pace set by George Russell and Kimi Antonelli with Mercedes.

Verstappen has also vented his fury at the current F1 regulations on multiple occasions, likening the sport to Mario Kart, while adding: “We are boosting past. Then you run out of battery, and they boost back past you again. For me, it is just a joke.”

But Verstappen’s anger in Suzuka stems from being asked about his crash with George Russell in Spain last year and how it impacted the title race with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.

“I'm not speaking before he leaves," Verstappen reportedly said towards the reporter, who then replied: “Seriously?”

Verstappen replied “yes,” with the reported clarifying: "Because of the question last year?"

The Red Bull star confirmed, with the journalist clarifying: “You want me to leave? It's just the question I asked you in Abu Dhabi? About Spain?”

Verstappen confirmed his irritation with their conversation at the 2025 finale and the collision with Russell, which he later admitted was a “mistake”.

The 28-year-old, who fell just two points short of a fifth world title, then said: "Get out.”

At the time, Verstappen hit back strongly at the suggestion that he might have “regret” over the incident in Barcelona.

“You forget all the other stuff that happened in my season,” he said at the time. “The only thing you mention is Barcelona. I knew that would come. You’re giving me a stupid grin now.

“I don’t know. It’s part of racing at the end. You live and learn. The championship is one of 24 rounds. I’ve also had a lot of early Christmas presents given to me in the second half, so you can also question that.”