Speaking on Speed with Kevin Harvick, journalist Will Buxton addressed Max Verstappen’s outburst towards a reporter ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix.

The four-time world champion ordered Guardian reporter Giles Richards to ‘get out’ of his media session, refusing to answer any questions until the journalist had left. His unhappiness stemmed from a question asked by Richards in Abu Dhabi last year, where Verstappen missed out on a fifth title.

“There’s been a lot from Max this year where I’m not sure how much of it is genuine and how much of it is just to stay in the headlines, knowing that he’s not going to be in the headlines because of his race results,” Buxton said.

“Kicking the journalist out of the press conference earlier this weekend was something that was universally decried in our paddock this weekend. Talking to drivers, they couldn’t believe that he’d done that.

“There’s a far bigger conversation to be had about the ecosystem that exists between media and sports stars and how that works. I know Giles, the journalist who was kicked out, is a great journalist…

“I found that odd. Part of me was thinking, is this just performative? Has he done this to create a headline in order to stay in the headlines? I don’t know, because I would like to think that’s not where Max’s head is at.

“Interesting thing. Giles was in the Red Bull press conference in Australia, and Max didn’t seem to mind. But two races later, had remembered and kicked off.”