The relationship between Max Verstappen and the British press has been far from optimal for some time. On Thursday, Max Verstappen added a new chapter to this by sending away a British journalist from The Guardian during his media session. “I won’t start until he leaves,” stated the four-time world champion from Red Bull sharply.
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The journalist in question had a confrontation with Verstappen last year after the final race in Abu Dhabi, where he ultimately fell two points short of extending his title. The Brit asked him whether he regretted the incident at the Barcelona GP with George Russell, whom he had deliberately hit according to the stewards. Verstappen received a penalty for this, causing him to miss out on nine points.
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The question rubbed Verstappen the wrong way at the time. In Japan, the strained relationship between the two took another turn when he figuratively showed the journalist the door. “Seriously? Because of the question in Abu Dhabi? Are you that angry about it?”, the journalist asked. Whereupon Verstappen responded affirmatively. “Yes, get out.”
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Read everything about the Japan GP here
