Formula 1 journalists have spoken out about the episode involving Max Verstappen and the professional from the British newspaper The Guardian. The group asked the FIA to ‘open a dialogue’ with teams and the press in what appears to be a deterioration between both parties after the Japanese GP.
Read more Porsche Cup: Vivacqua speaks of «great composure» in race 2 at Velocitta
In Suzuka, the Red Bull driver requested the expulsion of Giles Richards from a press conference at the team’s hospitality on Thursday. The reason was due to a question asked back in Abu Dhabi 2025, when the journalist questioned if the driver regretted the crash with George Russell in Spain due to the loss of the title by only two titles – the professional left for the session to begin.
The Dutchman explained that he did not want the Briton there because he felt that at the time the question was posed in the press conference, the journalist mocked the competitor. Since then, Richards has been receiving online hate and other professional colleagues are defending him.
The F1 Media Advisory Board, which includes numerous highly experienced journalists from the category, organized a debate with the FIA during the weekend in Japan about the entire situation. Now, it is understood that the governing body will address the matter with Red Bull.
Furthermore, in a parallel manner, the Italian Association of Automotive Journalists [UIGA] issued a statement expressing ‘enormous concern’ over the episode that occurred in Suzuka.
Read more Pedrosa talks about reviewing «strategies and times» to win race 2 of the Challenge
“Verbal abuse and a climate of hostility directed at journalists and photographers are unacceptable and violate the fundamental principles of professional respect and freedom of the press. The testimonies of those present challenge some of the most widespread narratives, which risk damaging the professional reputation of journalists,” the statement began.
“At the same time, tensions between drivers and photographers can lead to increasingly restrictive measures that affect desproportionately the work of the press. Mutual respect is essential, but it must not limit the right of the media to report freely and independently. UIGA, therefore, calls on the FIA to open a dialogue with all parties involved – from media representatives to teams – to prevent any further deterioration in working conditions and access to information,” it continued.
“A free, respected, and protected press is not a secondary matter, but a fundamental pillar of transparency and credibility in all sports, including Formula 1,” it concluded.
Read more Pedrosa wins race 2 of the Porsche Cup Sprint Challenge at Velocitta
