Max Verstappen does not forget, and he certainly does not forgive. On Thursday at Suzuka, ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix, the four-time world champion turned the usual media session into a tense situation, refusing to begin until a particular journalist left the room.
In the Red Bull hospitality area, as the press conference was about to start, Verstappen stopped everything and declared that he would not speak until the reporter left. When the journalist responded with incredulity, asking, “Really?”, Verstappen replied firmly with a simple, “Yes.” When asked if it was related to a question from last year, he confirmed immediately: “Yes.”
The exchange quickly escalated. The reporter asked if Max Verstappen wanted him to leave, and Verstappen replied again, “Yes.” When the journalist attempted to explain, referring to the question he had asked in Abu Dhabi last year about the incident in Spain, Max Verstappen interrupted sharply: “Out.” When asked if he was really that upset, Verstappen repeated, “Yes. Out.” Only after the reporter left did Verstappen close the matter with a cold, “Now we can start.”
The reference was clearly to the Abu Dhabi press conference at the end of the 2025 season, when Verstappen, narrowly beaten in the world championship battle by Lando Norris by just two points, was asked about his contact with George Russell in Spain. This was evidently an incident he had never fully digested. In the following months, Verstappen admitted that it remained his only real regret of the season, although he contested the media’s tendency to reduce his entire championship to that single episode.
Bitter debut at Nürburgring: the reasons behind Verstappen’s disqualification
After the tense opening exchange, the press conference proceeded normally. Verstappen spoke extensively about his recent experience at the Nürburgring, where he competed in the NLS2 endurance race. Despite the final disqualification, he considered the weekend overall to be very positive. He described it as a great weekend, noting how much fun he had with his teammates and how valuable the shared experience was.
He explained the reason for the car’s disqualification: a small error occurred during practice with pit stops, when an additional set of tires was added to the car during the out-in laps. While this cost him dearly, Verstappen viewed it as a useful lesson for the team. He emphasized that although losing the result was unfortunate, the experience served as a useful reminder to keep the team focused and on point. Summing up the weekend, Verstappen reiterated that, overall, it had been a very enjoyable and rewarding experience.
Verstappen hopes for rapid changes in F1: Suzuka and energy compromises
The discussion then turned to whether this type of experience was giving him something that current Formula 1 no longer could. Verstappen avoided direct comparisons but expressed his enthusiasm for the experience, noting that he had wanted to do it for a long time and thoroughly enjoyed it. He explained that every time he got out of the car, he was smiling, which he described as always a positive indicator.
His comments carry weight, particularly at a time when the four-time world champion continues to show frustration with certain aspects of contemporary Formula 1. Speaking specifically about Suzuka and the energy management demanded by the current generation of F1 cars, Verstappen made it clear that he recognizes the limitations imposed by the cars. He admitted that although things are very different from last year, this is the reality of the sport right now, and the teams and drivers simply have to adapt.
However, his tone suggested resignation rather than satisfaction. Verstappen immediately added that he hopes for more significant changes in the coming season. When asked how close he could push the car at a demanding circuit like Suzuka, he said that drivers are at the limit of what the car allows, but in terms of pure power, there are still moments where the car could offer more. This statement underlines his frustration with a Formula 1 that feels less instinctive and less pure compared to the extreme driving challenges of circuits like Suzuka. He admitted that he had experienced similar feelings even in the simulator, and that adjustments only help partially; the overall picture remains the same for him.
Preparing for the 24 Hours of Nürburgring: “I feel like a rookie, but I want to win”
In the final part of the media session, Max Verstappen discussed his preparation for the 24 Hours of Nürburgring, clarifying the team’s ultimate goal. He emphasized that, as a team, their objective is to win the endurance race. This preparation is precisely why such races are valuable, allowing the team to find the right balance in setup, tires, traffic management, procedures, and familiarity with the team. Verstappen highlighted the importance of feeling comfortable and confident to attack, not just alone but also in traffic.
He also reflected on the unusual side of the experience, noting that he almost felt like a rookie again—a curious admission from one of the most dominant drivers of modern F1, but one that underscores how seriously he approaches these events outside the Formula 1 calendar.
Verstappen on Red Bull 2026 and motorsport culture in Japan
There was also time to talk about Japan, Honda, and the significance of motorsport in the country. Verstappen commented on Japan’s enormous motorsport culture, highlighting its history in car racing, karting, and major automotive brands. Regarding his relationship with Honda, he explained that racing with them has been extraordinary, and winning championships together has been a career highlight that he has truly cherished.
Finally, Max Verstappen spoke about the Red Bull 2026 car. While he avoided alarmist statements, he acknowledged that the car has significant potential. He emphasized the need to understand certain issues from the previous race and reiterated the importance of continuing to work on extracting performance from the car, race by race.
The headline: Suzuka press conference drama
Despite all the technical insights, discussion of GT racing, Nürburgring experiences, and reflections on Formula 1, the defining moment of Thursday at Suzuka remained Max Verstappen’s initial gesture. It sent a clear message: there are incidents he does not consider resolved, and questions that he is not yet willing to forgive.
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