Former F1 driver David Coulthard has openly questioned the FIA’s lack of action against Max Verstappen after the Dutchman sparked controversy by ejecting a journalist from a media session at the Japanese Grand Prix.
The incident, which unfolded at Suzuka inside Red Bull Racing’s hospitality unit, saw Verstappen refuse to begin speaking until a British reporter left the room – a moment that quickly reverberated across the paddock.
Verstappen’s ire against The Guardian’s F1 correspondent Giles Richards was reportedly rooted in a prior exchange at the 2025 Abu Dhabi season finale, where the four-time world champion had been pressed on a collision with George Russell during the campaign – a flashpoint in a title fight he ultimately lost narrowly by just 2 points to McLaren’s Lando Norris.
‘I’m surprised the FIA didn’t take a stance’
Speaking on the Up To Speed podcast, Coulthard did not hide his surprise at the governing body’s inaction against Verstappen, suggesting a jarring inconsistency in an era of over-regulation.
"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," he said, before sharpening his criticism.
"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."
Coulthard’s remarks highlight the absurdity of punishing a syllable while ignoring the forced removal of a credentialed journalist.
The pressure of scrutiny – and personal toll
Drawing from his own career, Coulthard expanded on the emotional strain drivers face under constant media examination, insisting the cockpit offers no protection against the sting of the pen.
"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,” explained the 13-time Grand Prix winner.
"And it's very difficult not to take it personally. So 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 Scot acknowledged that repeated questioning – even when justified – can wear drivers down:
"So I certainly did get some criticism, and there was always an underlying, let's say, if they were questioning my qualifying ability, it was a fair question, but of course it wasn't easy to be asked the same question time and time again,” he added.
"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."
Read also: Verstappen freezes out reporter in Suzuka press conference standoffCoulthard also pointed to the cyclical nature of public perception in Formula 1, referencing rising star Kimi Antonelli.
"And right now, Kimi Antonelli is getting all of the praise,” he said. “Everything. Everyone loves him. And his mum will be getting cutouts from newspapers if people still do that nowadays.
“But as sure as he's being praised right now, he'll get criticised at some point in the future, especially if he makes some mistakes."
A familiar story of conflict and resolution
Coulthard concluded with a personal anecdote that underlined just how deeply criticism can cut – even for seasoned professionals.
"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'. And it really shocked me because clearly he thought I was just making excuses all the time,” he recalled.
"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."
While Verstappen’s Suzuka outburst may have passed without official sanction, Coulthard’s comments ensure the debate is far from settled.
At its core lies a delicate balance: the rights of drivers to push back against questioning – and the expectations placed upon them as global sporting figures under constant scrutiny.
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