Red Bull rebukes Verstappen after The Guardian reporter incident

Tension erupted at Red Bull after Max Verstappen refused to answer questions during the Japanese Grand Prix press conference until Guardian reporter Giles Richards left the room. The two had clashed in Abu Dhabi 2025, when Richards asked whether Verstappen regretted his collision with George Russell in Barcelona. Still irritated by that exchange, the Dutchman demanded the journalist’s removal before proceeding with his ten‑minute media session as if nothing had happened. The episode quickly spread online, generating negative publicity for the team.

According to Bild, Red Bull management was displeased and team principal Laurent Mekies formally summoned the four‑time world champion. Mekies met Verstappen in the Suzuka paddock, listening to his explanation but stressing that Red Bull does not expel journalists from its media areas. The Frenchman’s role as mediator proved crucial, balancing respect for his star driver with the need to uphold team values. Both sides later agreed the matter was closed.