and refused to begin speaking until the reporter left the room.<\/a><\/p>\nVerstappen later explained that his decision stemmed from an exchange between the pair after the 2025 season finale in Abu Dhabi, when Richards questioned him about a collision with George Russell during the Spanish Grand Prix.<\/p>\n
That on-track incident carried a 10-second penalty and ultimately proved significant in Verstappen\u2019s title fight with Lando Norris, who went on to win the championship by two points.<\/p>\n
Speaking about the moment in Suzuka, Verstappen said his frustration was not about the question itself but the way it had been asked.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat particular question, I answer like 20 times with different people, so it\u2019s not about the question, but after the final race when you ask that and laugh in my face while asking it, it\u2019s clearly done with bad intent,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt shows a massive lack of respect. When you\u2019re not respectful towards me, then I don\u2019t need to be respectful towards you.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s how it works in life. For me it\u2019s not correct.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Dutch driver added that answering questions \u2013 even difficult ones \u2013 is part of F1, but insisted the earlier interaction had crossed a line.<\/p>\n
\u201cI get asked a lot of questions,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cA lot of stupid questions as well, and I answer them. That\u2019s fine. That\u2019s part of F1.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut in this particular case it was clearly done with bad intent.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor me, it was very clear that it was done in a disrespectful way.\u201d<\/p>\n
Richards later gave his own account of the exchange, describing how Verstappen halted the session after spotting him in the room.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have never been asked to leave a press conference,\u201d he wrote.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is an extremely rare occurrence for a journalist in F1, with barely anyone able to recall more than one or two examples.\u201d<\/p>\n
Reflecting on the original Abu Dhabi interaction, Richards suggested his body language may have been misunderstood.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m not sure I had a stupid grin. I was certainly taken aback by the vehemence of his reply and it might have prompted a nervous smile,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut I did not think it was funny, nor was I enjoying myself at his expense.\u201d<\/p>\n
He also said the reaction from fellow reporters at Suzuka was immediate, especially after he admitted to receiving a barrage of online abuse stemming from the altercation.<\/p>\n
\u201cColleagues in the press pack were universally shocked and offered concern for my wellbeing,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
The incident has since drawn a response from media organisations, with the Italian Automotive Journalists Association issuing a statement expressing concern over the situation and the online abuse directed at Richards and others.<\/p>\n
\u201cVerbal abuse and a climate of hostility directed at journalists and photographers are unacceptable and break down the fundamental principles of professional respect and press freedom,\u201d the statement read.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe testimonies of those present challenge some of the widespread narratives, which risk damaging the professional reputation of media workers.\u201d<\/p>\n
The group also warned that growing tensions between drivers and the press could lead to restrictions on media access.<\/p>\n
\u201cMutual respect is essential, but it must not limit the media\u2019s right to report freely and independently,\u201d it continued.<\/p>\n
\u201cUIGA, therefore, calls on the FIA to open a dialogue with all parties involved \u2013 from media representatives to teams \u2013 to prevent any further deterioration in working conditions and access to information.<\/p>\n
\u201cA free, respected and protected press is not an ancillary matter, but a fundamental pillar of transparency and credibility in all sports, including Formula 1.\u201d<\/p>\n
Red Bull is understood to be keen to resolve the matter, having held discussions with both Verstappen and Richards in Suzuka, as the team looks to draw a line under the episode ahead of the Miami Grand Prix in May.<\/p>\n
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