Max Verstappen kicked a journalist out of the press conference.

      Max Verstappen's communication with the press at the Suzuka racetrack did not start immediately, but only after Giles Richards, a reporter from the London newspaper The Guardian, left the press conference. Max categorically stated that he would not speak until he was gone.

      It is worth reminding why the four-time world champion harbored resentment towards this British journalist. Last year in Abu Dhabi, after the final race of the season, Richards asked him whether Max regretted the incident with George Russell that occurred in Barcelona, as Verstappen effectively lost the title because he was penalized for his impatience at that time. If he had just a couple more points, the world champion in 2025 would not have been Lando Norris, but him.

      "You forget about a lot of other things that happened during my season. You only mentioned what happened in Barcelona, and I knew I would be asked about it, especially with such a silly smirk. I don't know. After all, that's also part of racing. Life teaches you a lot," Verstappen replied at that time.

      And today, almost four months later, a dialogue occurred between them:

      "I won't speak until he leaves," said the Red Bull Racing driver.

      "Seriously? And just because of that question I asked last year in Abu Dhabi? Did it bother you that much?" Richards inquired.

      "Yes, leave," demanded Max, and when the British press representative had to leave the Red Bull Racing guest area, he calmly continued to answer questions from other journalists.

      Verstappen has won the Japanese Grand Prix four times in a row, but when asked about his expectations for this weekend, he said: "I don't remember the previous years right now, as each year unfolds differently. We have to be realistic since we are not at that level right now, and I am just preparing for the start of the weekend, and we'll see how things go.

      I hope we can effectively use the April break in the season to better understand the specifics of our car, analyze the experiences from the races that have already taken place, and simply try to close the gap with the leaders.

      I believe that should be our goal. The stage in China did not go well, but let's hope that it remains our worst weekend of the season. Overall, in this regard, the break will benefit us."

      However, when Max began to answer a question about the recent NLS race on the Nordschleife of the Nürburgring, a smile appeared on his face, even though it ended in disqualification:

      "Everything was wonderful at Nordschleife! Every time I got out of the car, I smiled – simply because I was having a great time. I enjoyed driving, and my teammates are not only excellent fast drivers but also fun guys.

      It was important for me to reach the right speed levels and prepare for the upcoming 24-hour race at the Nürburgring, as I have a lot to learn, including regarding driver changes. At first, my teammates had to explain to me how to act, and when I got out of the car or took my place behind the wheel, I needed help with the seatbelts.

      I had never dealt with anything like that before, and in that regard, I felt like a rookie! But it was a good experience, although, of course, it's a pity that we were disqualified. This happened due to a mistake made during pit stop rehearsals – we used an extra set of tires then.

      All of this is not very good, but it does not diminish the result we showed in the race. It pleased me, and of course, I am glad that the disqualification happened now and not in the upcoming 24-hour race. I have no doubt that the team will double-check everything now, as it has good and capable specialists."