The Formula 1 journalist who was ejected from Max Verstappen’s media session at the Japanese Grand Prix has disclosed the disturbing online harassment he received following the controversial incident at Suzuka International Circuit. The four-time world champion refused to begin his Thursday press conference until the specific reporter was removed from the room, creating a media storm that has highlighted ongoing tensions between drivers and the press corps.
Verstappen’s dramatic intervention stemmed from lingering frustration over a question posed at the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix post-race press conference, where the journalist asked whether the Red Bull driver’s actions during his collision with George Russell at the Spanish Grand Prix – which resulted in a 10-second penalty – cost him the championship by just two points. The Dutchman made his displeasure clear by declaring, “One second. I’m not speaking before he’s leaving,” effectively forcing the removal of the reporter from the session.
In a revealing column for The Guardian, the unnamed journalist detailed the rapid escalation of abuse he faced online following the incident. Within just two hours of the confrontation, hostile messages began flooding his inbox, with one particularly venomous email stating: “You’re the problem. You’re the toxic dipsh*t who’s responsible for the whole British bias in F1. You’re the worst.” The harassment underscores the increasingly toxic relationship between some F1 fans and media representatives who ask challenging questions.
Despite the personal attacks and professional humiliation, the journalist maintained a remarkably diplomatic stance toward the 28-year-old Verstappen, expressing hopes for reconciliation. “I still admire Verstappen and I hope we can enjoy a better relationship in the future,” he wrote, while defending the nature of his work by adding, “Sometimes, difficult, awkward questions have to be asked. That’s the job that comes with the privilege.” The incident has since moved into Verstappen’s rearview mirror as he focuses on qualifying preparations, though he remains some distance behind the pace-setting Mercedes cars in his RB22 during the opening practice sessions at Suzuka.