Max Verstappen lost his cool and snapped at a reporter after being quizzed about his Formula 1 season following the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Verstappen failed to win the fifth F1 world title of his legendary racing career despite winning Sunday’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
He finished in first place but Lando Norris securing third place saw him win his maiden F1 championship.
The Dutchman, who won eight races in the 2025 season, finished just two points behind Norris in the drivers’ championship standings.
It is the narrowest margin to determine an F1 championship since 2008 when Lewis Hamilton pipped Felipe Massa to the title by a single point.
Over the course of the 2025 season, several controversial incidents occurred, including Verstappen crashing into George Russell at the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona.
Max Verstappen won the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Image: Getty
As a result, Verstappen was penalised with a 10-second penalty, meaning he dropped from fifth to 10th – which cost him nine valuable points.
Not for the first time this year, he was asked about his moment of madness at the post-race press conference following the Abu Grand Prix.
Asked if he regrets deliberately crashing into Russell, the 28-year-old replied: “You forget all the other stuff that happened in my season.
“The only thing you mention is Barcelona. I knew that would come.”
Verstappen then took exception to the reporter’s ‘stupid grin’ following his question.
He added: “Are you giving me a stupid grin now? I don’t know.”
Max Verstappen snapped at a reporter in the post-race presser following the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Image: Getty
Verstappen continued: “It’s part of racing in the end. You live and learn. Championship is won over 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.”
After the four-time F1 champion clashed with the journalist, the presser then came to a halt.
In a separate interview, Verstappen hailed Norris’ season and insisted he was still proud of his and Red Bull’s achievements this year.
“I don’t see it like losing to be honest,” he said.
“He [Norris] has had a very good season. In general it’s been a tough battle between himself and Oscar and at one point I got into the fight.
“Winning your first is always super emotional. It’s very special because everyone on the grid is always dreaming about that moment.
“I hope he really enjoys it tonight with his family and, of course, the team.”
