David Coulthard revealed he was surprised that the FIA did not issue any statement regarding Max Verstappen ejecting a journalist from a press conference at the Red Bull hospitality in Suzuka.
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During the Japanese GP weekend, one of the stories that gained the most attention was the clash between the driver and Giles Richard. The professional from The Guardian was asked to leave a press conference with the four-time champion due to an episode at the end of 2025, when he asked the Dutchman if he regretted the accident with George Russell in Spain.
The episode gained traction, Verstappen justified himself, the journalist spoke out, and Coulthard commented on the Up to Speed podcast that he found it strange the FIA had not spoken out.
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“I see it like this: it’s probably not something that, reflecting on the matter, Max will feel good about, because although he is absolutely right, you don’t have to answer the question, it is unusual to ask someone to leave that environment,” he said.
“Actually, I’m a bit surprised that the FIA hasn’t taken a stand on this. I haven’t seen anything indicating any kind of reprimand. Because, basically, if he said the word ‘shit’ in there, he would be fined,” he added.
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