David Coulthard has raised eyebrows by questioning the FIA's lack of action after Max Verstappen asked a journalist to leave a media session at the Japanese Grand Prix. Verstappen's decision not to engage with the reporter has sparked discussions about media interaction protocols in F1.
David Coulthard recently voiced his surprise over the FIA's lack of response to Max Verstappen's decision to eject a journalist during a media session at the Japanese Grand Prix. The incident unfolded when Verstappen refused to begin his pre-event session with The Guardian's reporter in the room. This tension traces back to a previous confrontation at the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where Verstappen was questioned about a collision with George Russell that affected his championship bid.
Verstappen, who narrowly lost the 2025 title to Lando Norris, was adamant about the reporter's departure from Red Bull's hospitality suite before addressing other media members. Coulthard expressed his surprise on the 'Up To Speed' podcast, noting that while Verstappen wasn't obligated to answer every question, asking a journalist to leave is rare. "I'm actually a little bit surprised the FIA didn't take a stance on it," Coulthard remarked, suggesting that the incident warranted more than just a cursory glance.
Interestingly, the FIA has not pursued any formal reprimand as the session was team-hosted, not an official FIA press conference. Verstappen isn't the first to show a journalist the door during a team-led media gathering. A similar incident occurred at the 2025 Australian Grand Prix when Alpine's Oliver Oakes asked a reporter to leave due to pre-season testing questions.
Verstappen is known for his candidness, a trait that often polarizes fans. He's previously clashed with the FIA over language constraints in press conferences, famously comparing the F1 regulations to a Nintendo game. Despite the scrutiny, Verstappen remains unfazed by external pressures and insists his outspoken nature stems from a genuine care for the sport.
The Suzuka episode and Coulthard's commentary have reignited debates about the need for clear guidelines on media interactions in F1. For Verstappen, it's another chapter in the ongoing examination of his relationship with Formula 1's evolving landscape and its media dynamics.