Max Verstappen shows why comparisons to Ayrton Senna miss the mark after Japanese GP controversy
Photo by Marcel van Dorst/EYE4IMAGES/NurPhoto via Getty Images Max Verstappen’s run-in with an F1 reporter during media duties before the Japanese Grand Prix drew comparisons to how some of the sport’s greatest figures might have handled it differently. The Dutch driver, who already had a history with the journalist involved, was visibly annoyed at seeing them again, recalling a previous encounter that hadn’t ended well for him. The two were back in the same room for another press event at Suzuka, and Verstappen wasn’t happy about it.
Tensions escalated quickly, and he refused to speak until the reporter was asked to leave. Ayrton Senna would never have gone as far as Max Verstappen After the incident between Verstappen and Richards, Giles penned an article outlining his side of the story and how he felt in the moment. Opinion was divided on social media.
Some backed the respected journalist, while others saw Verstappen’s point of view and felt he was justified in his actions. Maurice Hamilton, who once worked with Richards at The Guardian, came out in support of him. He responded to a post sharing the article on X by saying: “This is the classy response from a dedicated & thoroughly professional F1 writer – also my successor at The Guardian.
“I had run-ins with Nigel Mansell and Ayrton Senna , both of whom were very unhappy about stuff I had written. They called me out – but NEVER in public. ” It has since been reported that Red Bull management intends to speak with Verstappen over the incident after it left some internal members of staff uneasy.
Ayrton Senna’s well-known exchange with Jackie Stewart during his F1 career Senna may not have clashed with journalists in public during his racing days, but there was a memorable incident involving an interview with three-time world champion Jackie Stewart. Stewart had accused Senna of intentionally colliding with Alain Prost in the 1990 title decider, and the Brazilian legend reacted strongly to the claim. The conversation was cut short when Senna said he wouldn’t speak to Stewart again.