Max Verstappen left stunned as TV reporter is dramatically removed from F1 grid during pre-race interview

A TV reporter had an unnerving encounter during a pre-race interview with Red Bull star Max Verstappen ahead of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.

Approximately ten minutes before the race's kickoff at Imola, Sky Sports' Rachel Brookes was ready to interview the reigning champ. At the same moment, another reporter from Viaplay, a Dutch broadcaster known for its F1 coverage, was chatting to Verstappen. As Verstappen engaged with the Viaplay correspondent while entering the racing grid, the individual was abruptly seized by an official and quickly escorted away, apparently lacking the correct accreditation. A startled Verstappen turned back mid-interview, leaving Brookes in a chuckle before she swiftly resumed her questioning of the Dutch racer.

The incident left viewers astounded, many opining that the official's actions were overly aggressive. One said: "I get he didn't have a pass but he could've been a bit nicer. No need to manhandle him like that." Included among the bewildered reactions were comments such as: "lol why was he getting dragged like that? " Another spectator suggested: "He forgot his grid sticker."

Some implied a biased environment, stating: "Sometimes I feel like the only media they respect is British Sky Sports." Adding a humorous spin, someone quipped: "Can't wait for the memes to come from this."

On another note, on Saturday, Verstappen held off McLaren to equal Ayrton Senna's record of eight successive pole positions. Making the achievement even more poignant, the milestone was reached at the very venue where Senna tragically lost his life three decades ago, linking Verstappen with the Brazilian legend.

Lando Norris secured a spot on the front row after his McLaren teammate, Oscar Piastri, received a