Formula 1 reporter dragged off live TV, disappears at Emilia Romagna Grand Prix

World champion Max Verstappen had no idea what to do after a reporter was suddenly sent to the shadow realm.

Max Verstappen was left with no idea what today when a reporter was dragged off in the middle of an interview just moments before the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix on Monday morning.

The world champ roared to his fifth win of the year at the famed Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari and was only challenged late by McLaren’s Lando Norris.

His most eventful moment of the day happened before he even stepped in his car when a presenter with official Formula 1 broadcast partner Viaplay was marched off the grid in the middle of an interview.

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The incident unfolded in front of millions around the world and clips of the awkward moment have been spreading around the internet.

The reporter had been in the middle of a chat with Verstappen as he walked from the pit lane paddock through to the starting grid. However, he was brutally stopped in his tracks and escorted off the track without a word being said.

You can watch the full incident in the video player above

The reporter didn't see it coming. Photo: Kayo via Sky Sports.

It all unfolded on the live Sky Sports broadcast and presenter Rachel Brookes was left to be the one to explain to Verstappen why the reporter had been so brutally dispatched.

The cheeky grin on Verstappen’s face said plenty as he watched the reporter disappear in the background.

Viaplay is Formula 1’s official broadcast partner in the Netherlands, where Verstappen hails from.

Brookes said during the pre-race grid walk segment the reporter had been marched because he didn’t display the required accreditation sticker.

“Max, can I have a quick word? It’s a grid sticker. You have to have a grid sticker, I’m afraid,” she said.

“So, Max, that start today is so crucial. How are you feeling about it? Are there any concerns today other than that?

Verstappen was straight down to business with his response.

Going. Photo: Kayo via Sky Sports.

Gone. Photo: Kayo via Sky Sports.

Max Verstappen loved it. Photo: Kayo via Sky Sports.

“No from our side, it’s a bit unknown on the long run so it’s been a bit difficult,” he said.

“We did have a better balance in qualifying so naturally that will help for the race. Is that enough? I don’t know.”

The live broadcast showed the reporter did not return after he vanished from the camera frame off the track.

The incident left Formula 1 fans chortling in their seats.

“Fans on Formula 1’s official Reddit page wrote the reporter had been sent to the “shadow realm”.

One fan posted on Twitter: “I get he didn’t have a pass but he (security) could’ve been a bit nicer. No need to manhandle him like that.”

The @viaplay reporter getting dragged off the grid #ImolaGPpic.twitter.com/aXMrafkCEK

— Darren Clarke (@MRDarrenClarke) May 19, 2024

Reporter being dragged off while interviewing Verstappen on grid #p1pic.twitter.com/SEJGjvuzi9

— Esther Boutilier (@4bous) May 19, 2024

It’s far from the first time overzealous security staff have made headlines for blocking reporters this year.

An incident involving an accredited media representative at the Australian Open at Melbourne Park in January went viral when a reporter was banned for approaching Jannik Sinner before the men’s singles final.

TV viewers were given quite a shock at the time with footage of Sinner posing for a photo with a reporter ending with shots of the gentleman being stripped of his credentials on the spot by a security official.

Like Sinner, Verstappen didn’t let the drama get to him as he drover a near-flawless race to lead from start to finish.

Max Verstappen at the front of the grid. Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images.

After 63 laps, the race didn’t have a single yellow flag or major incident of note as the three-time world champion claimed victory ahead of McLaren’s Lando Norris and Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc.

Australia’s Oscar Piastri equalled his best result of the season in fourth, while compatriot Daniel Ricciardo was down in 13th.

There was finally something to increase the heart rate when Norris started reeling time from Verstappen in the dying laps of the race.

But the Dutchman did enough to claim his fifth win of the season through seven races.

“Norris fighting hard, getting within a second of the Dutchman, but it’s not going to be enough,” commentator Harry Benjamin, sitting in for the resting David Croft, said at the race’s conclusion.

“Max Verstappen makes it three wins in Imola.”