The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →At Suzuka on 26 March 2026, Max Verstappen refused to begin a written-media session while The Guardian’s Giles Richards was in the room. “One second – I’m not speaking before he’s leaving,” Verstappen said, according to BBC Sport. When Richards asked if he was serious and whether it was about a question from the previous season’s finale, Verstappen answered “Yeah,” then said, “Get out.” After Richards left, Verstappen said, “Now we can start.”
Why did Verstappen ask Richards to leave?
The dispute stemmed from a question Richards asked after the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the season finale. He asked whether Verstappen regretted colliding with George Russell at the Spanish Grand Prix. Verstappen objected to Richards focusing on Barcelona and, in the exchange reported by BBC Sport and Motorsport.com, said Richards had a “stupid grin.”
The question carried championship context. Verstappen won in Abu Dhabi but finished the 2025 drivers’ championship two points behind Lando Norris, BBC Sport reported. At the Spanish Grand Prix, a penalty dropped Verstappen from fifth on the road to 10th and cost him nine points, according to the BBC. Motorsport.com describes the 10-second penalty as costing him five places: he scored one point instead of 10. Those figures explain why the collision remained consequential, but they do not establish that the penalty alone mathematically decided the championship.
What did Verstappen say about Richards laughing?
In comments to Viaplay reported by Brazilian outlet ge, Verstappen said Richards had laughed in his face after asking the question. In translation, Verstappen said: “When someone asks that question at the press conference after the last race and still laughs in your face, to me that’s a complete lack of respect. If you don’t give me respect, why should I respect you?”
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems#1 Best Overall
- Authentic Formula 1 Styling – Realistic race-inspired design and proportions
- Authentic Race Car and Driver's Helmet Details
- Collector-Scale Model – 1:24 scale ideal for shelves, desks, and displays. Includes Acrylic Box with Decorative Sleeve
- Authentic Race Car and Driver's Helmet Details for #4 Lando Norris
- Free-Rolling Wheels – Smooth-rolling wheels for display or light play
That is Verstappen’s account of Richards’s expression and its meaning. The reviewed reports do not independently establish whether Richards was laughing at him or what the expression meant.
How did Giles Richards describe the exchange?
Richards said he was surprised by the vehemence of Verstappen’s response. He was unsure whether he had given a silly smile and said he may have smiled nervously; he said he was not amused or enjoying Verstappen’s discomfort. These are Richards’s descriptions of his own reaction, not an independently verified account of his expression.
Rank #2
- Officially Licensed Replica – Authentic styling and branding from the original manufacturer
- Die-Cast Metal Construction – Durable metal body with detailed plastic components
- Highly Detailed Design – Realistic exterior styling and interior details
- Free-Rolling Wheels – Smooth movement for display or play
- Perfect for Collectors & Kids – Great gift for automotive fans
In his account quoted by ABC, Richards said Verstappen stared and smiled before declaring he would not speak until Richards left. Richards said he was told to “get out” twice and had never before been asked to leave a press conference. BBC Sport’s account records one “Get out,” so the reports differ on the number of times Richards says he was told to leave.
In a Guardian column quoted by the BBC, Richards wrote that he was “deeply disappointed,” described colleagues as “universally shocked,” and said he still admired Verstappen and hoped for a better relationship. He also defended asking difficult questions: “Sometimes, difficult, awkward questions have to be asked. That’s the job that comes with the privilege.”
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Rank #3
- Ferrari Die-Cast Race Vehicle in 1/43 scale
- Authentic Race Car and Driver's Helmet Details
- Acrylic Box with Decorative Sleeve
- 2025 Season Car
What remains unresolved about the incident?
The disagreement over whether Richards laughed, smiled nervously or conveyed disrespect is unresolved in the accounts reviewed. Verstappen says Richards laughed at him; Richards says he may have smiled nervously but was not amused. Neither account independently proves intent, so it would be unwarranted to say Richards deliberately mocked Verstappen or that Verstappen knowingly misrepresented him.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Does FIA accreditation settle who could attend the session?
No. The FIA’s 2026 media-accreditation information says it accredits written journalists and photographers, while Formula One Management manages other media categories, including broadcasters, television and radio. It lists the Japanese Grand Prix for 29 March 2026 and says accreditation is subject to approval. It also says permanent accreditation requires attendance at a minimum of 14 events in the preceding season.
Rank #4
- FERRARI F1 TOY CAR – Boys and girls ages 10 and up and Ferrari fans can build, display and race the LEGO Speed Champions Ferrari SF-24 F1 Race Car and driver set
- 1 DRIVER MINIFIGURE – This vehicle set includes a driver minifigure wearing a special Ferrari outfit and a winged helmet for kids to place inside the cockpit and role-play thrilling race action
- AUTHENTIC DETAILS – F1 race car with design details from the real-life 2024 version, including a rear wing, a halo bar, sponsor stickers and wider rear tires imprinted with “Pirelli”
- F1 FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY – Race for the checkered flag alongside the whole family with other building sets (sold separately) in the LEGO F1 range
- BUILD & DISPLAY – After kids have enjoyed playing out racing stories with the Ferrari F1 toy, they can display it on a shelf or bedside table
That is general accreditation information. It does not establish who controlled this Red Bull-hosted media session or whether an FIA rule governed Richards’s departure.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
