Max Verstappen tells reporter to ‘get out’ during tense media session in Suzuka

By Philip Duncan, Press Association F1 Correspondent, Suzuka

Max Verstappen told a British journalist to “get out” of his media session three times during a tense exchange ahead of this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix.

Four-time world champion Verstappen had just sat down for his print duties inside the Red Bull hospitality suite when he spotted the reporter.

“I’m not speaking before he leaves,” said Verstappen, who was seemingly still aggrieved at a news conference which followed last season’s finale in Abu Dhabi in December.

Then, the journalist had asked Verstappen if he had regretted deliberately driving into George Russell at the Spanish Grand Prix.

Verstappen was sanctioned by the stewards for the incident in Barcelona. He was demoted from fifth to 10th which cost him nine championship points. Verstappen ended last season just two points behind Lando Norris as the British driver secured his maiden world crown.

“You forget about all the other stuff that happened in my season,” said Verstappen in Abu Dhabi. “The only thing that you mention is Barcelona. I knew that would come. And you are giving me a stupid grin now.”

In Suzuka, the journalist said: “Seriously?” when Verstappen told him to leave.

“Yep,” the 28-year-old said.

The reporter replied: “Because of the question last year? You want me to leave?”

Verstappen answered: “Yeah”, with the journalist walking towards the Dutch driver’s table to collect his dictaphone.

He said: “It’s just the question I asked you in Abu Dhabi? About Spain?

Verstappen replied: “Get out… get out!”

The journalist added: “You’re really that upset about it?”

Verstappen replied: “Get out.” The reporter left the hospitality suite following the 30-second argument.

“Now, we can start,” said Verstappen with a smile before going on to conduct his 10-minute duties as usual.

Verstappen heads into this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix already 43 points off the championship pace following a difficult start to the new season in his under-performing Red Bull.