Former F1 Star David Coulthard Criticizes FIA’s Silence on Max Verstappen’s Media Session Ejection.

David Coulthard, a veteran of Formula 1 and a respected voice within the sport, has expressed considerable surprise regarding the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile’s (FIA) apparent lack of action following an incident in which four-time World Champion Max Verstappen reportedly ejected a British journalist from a media session during the Japanese Grand Prix. The incident has ignited discussions about driver conduct, media access, and the governing body’s role in maintaining professional standards within the paddock.

The contentious event unfolded at Suzuka during a Red Bull hospitality media session, a routine engagement where drivers are made available to members of the press. According to reports, Verstappen, known for his intense competitiveness and direct communication style, refused to proceed with the session until Giles Richards, a journalist from The Guardian, departed the room. This unusual demand from a leading driver prompted immediate attention and raised questions about the underlying tensions between Verstappen and certain segments of the media.

Verstappen’s palpable frustration reportedly stemmed from a prior exchange with Richards at the conclusion of the hypothetical 2025 Formula 1 season, specifically during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend. In that scenario, Verstappen, despite his decorated career, had narrowly lost the championship title to Lando Norris by a mere two points. During media availabilities surrounding that pivotal race, Richards had reportedly queried Verstappen about a collision earlier in that season involving George Russell, suggesting that the incident might have significantly impacted Verstappen’s final championship standing.

Verstappen’s initial response to Richards’ line of questioning at Abu Dhabi was delivered with clear irritation. "You forget all the other stuff that happened in my season. The only thing you mention is Barcelona. I knew that would come," Verstappen was quoted as saying at the time, referencing the hypothetical collision. He further added, "You’re giving me a stupid grin now. I don’t know. Yeah, it’s part of racing at the end. You live and learn. The championship is one of 24 rounds. I’ve also had a lot of early Christmas presents given to me in the second half, so you can also question that." This exchange evidently left a lasting impression on the Dutch driver, culminating in his decisive action at the subsequent Japanese Grand Prix. The decision to exclude a journalist from a scheduled media event, especially one hosted by the team, represents a significant deviation from established F1 media protocols.

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Speaking on the Up To Speed podcast, Coulthard, who competed in over 240 Grand Prix races and secured 13 victories, weighed in on Verstappen’s conduct and the subsequent lack of official response. "Well, I see it this way, it’s probably not something that on reflection Max will feel good about because even though he’s absolutely right, you don’t have to answer the question, it is unusual to ask somebody to leave from that environment," Coulthard stated, acknowledging a driver’s prerogative to decline questions but highlighting the unprecedented nature of the ejection.

Coulthard, whose career spanned from 1994 to 2008, emphasised his surprise at the FIA’s inaction. "And I’m actually a little bit surprised the FIA didn’t take a stance on it. I didn’t see anything that there was any sort of reprimand because basically if he was to say the word s**t in there, he’d get fined," he remarked, drawing a parallel between verbal transgressions, which typically incur financial penalties, and the physical removal of a journalist, which, in this instance, seemingly went unaddressed. This comparison underscored Coulthard’s view that the FIA’s disciplinary framework might be inconsistently applied or have a blind spot when it comes to certain aspects of driver-media relations.

The FIA’s International Sporting Code outlines a comprehensive set of regulations governing competitor conduct, not only on track but also during official events, including media sessions. While specific clauses regarding the removal of journalists are not explicitly detailed, the code generally expects a high degree of professionalism and respect from participants. Reprimands, fines, or even more severe penalties can be levied for actions deemed detrimental to the sport’s image or in violation of its ethical guidelines. Coulthard’s comments suggest that Verstappen’s actions, by potentially disrupting a standard media procedure and creating an uncomfortable environment for a member of the press, could fall under such a purview, warranting at least a formal inquiry or a minor sanction. The silence from the governing body, in Coulthard’s assessment, signifies a missed opportunity to reinforce expected standards of conduct for all participants, particularly high-profile figures like a multiple world champion.

Coulthard further reflected on the inherent challenges of being a public figure in elite sport, drawing on his own extensive experience as a Formula 1 driver. "I can only liken it to when I was racing, and I never won the world championships that Max has, of course, but I was definitely open to some criticism from various journalists," he explained. This personal insight underscores the universal nature of media scrutiny in professional sports and the difficulty athletes face in navigating it. "And it’s very difficult not to take it personally," Coulthard added, articulating a sentiment likely shared by many competitors. He advised against obsessing over public opinion, noting, "I’m sure you don’t look at the comments on some of the social feeds because there’ll be some who love you and there’ll be some that just don’t like you, and that’s the way it is."

The dynamic between athletes and journalists is a perpetual point of discussion in sports. Journalists are tasked with reporting, analysing, and often questioning, which can sometimes lead to uncomfortable situations for athletes. "And some journalists would be a lot more dismissive. And it is their right as a journalist to say what they see. But it is difficult not to take it personally. And none of the drivers are exempt from that," Coulthard affirmed, acknowledging the legitimate role of critical journalism while empathising with the emotional toll it can take on those under the spotlight. He cited the current praise surrounding rising talent Kimi Antonelli as an example, predicting that even Antonelli, currently a darling of the media, will inevitably face criticism as his career progresses and mistakes are made. This cyclical nature of adulation and scrutiny is an unavoidable aspect of professional sports, and managing it gracefully is often seen as part of a driver’s professional development.

Coulthard recounted a specific personal anecdote to illustrate this point. "I remember one journalist writing that ‘David has an amazing ability to talk about the incident as if he wasn’t driving the car at the time’," he recalled. "And it really shocked me because clearly he thought I was just making excuses all the time. But I didn’t see it that way. But maybe I was being overdefensive, and I spoke to that journalist, and we made peace and moved on. But it is tough to take that public criticism." This personal account highlights the subjective nature of perception in sports reporting and the importance of open communication, even in moments of disagreement. Coulthard’s resolution of his own conflict with a journalist through dialogue offers a contrasting approach to the one employed by Verstappen, suggesting that alternative, more constructive methods exist for handling media friction.

The incident involving Max Verstappen and Giles Richards, coupled with David Coulthard’s subsequent comments, brings to the forefront critical questions about the evolving relationship between Formula 1 drivers and the media, as well as the responsibilities of the sport’s governing body. While drivers like Verstappen are under immense pressure and constant scrutiny, the media plays a vital role in connecting the sport with its global audience. Maintaining a professional and respectful environment for these interactions is paramount for the integrity and public image of Formula 1. The FIA’s role in upholding these standards, through clear guidelines and consistent enforcement, remains a subject of ongoing discussion among stakeholders within the paddock and beyond.

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Jonas Leo

Jonas Leo is a passionate motorsport journalist and lifelong Formula 1 enthusiast. With a sharp eye for race strategy and driver performance, he brings readers closer to the world of Grand Prix racing through in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive paddock insights. Jonas has covered everything from preseason testing to dramatic title deciders, capturing the emotion and precision that define modern F1. When he’s not tracking lap times or pit stop tactics, he enjoys exploring classic racing archives and writing about the evolution of F1 technology.

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