MV3: A NEW VERSTAPPEN VILLAIN ERA?
Image: Max Verstappen (Photo credit: Michael Potts)
There was a time when Max Verstappen's abrasiveness was forgiven because the results made everything forgivable. Four consecutive world championships will do that. But 2026 is different, and so is Max… Apparently.
Firstly, he’s one of the loudest critic of the 2026 regulations. Then, at the Japanese Grand Prix, Verstappen refused to begin his media session until Guardian journalist Giles Richards had physically left the room, saying "I'm not speaking before he's leaving" and repeatedly telling him to "get out." The grudge traced back to a question Richards asked after the Abu Dhabi season finale, a question about whether Verstappen regretted the incident with Russell in Spain that cost him nine points and ultimately the 2025 championship. A fair question, asked by a professional journalist doing his job. The response was public humiliation.
The FIA has since stepped in, with concerns now going through formal channels. Verstappen has reportedly shown no intention of meeting with Richards to resolve the situation.
Off track he is ejecting journalists. On track he is finishing eighth and talking about retirement. Martin Brundle has called the Verstappen saga "boring" and says even Max would agree he needs to make a decision. The champion who once made the paddock bend to his will is now the sport's most prominent disruptor and not in a way that flatters him. The villain era has arrived. Whether it ends with a comeback or a retirement remains entirely unclear.
