Stewards clear Verstappen in Hamilton clash at Hungarian GP

The stewards of the Hungarian Grand Prix have taken no further action following their post-race investigation into Max Verstappen’s bold pass on Lewis Hamilton during Sunday’s race, concluding that the Red Bull driver did not force the seven-time world champion off track.

The incident in question occurred at Turn 4, shortly after Verstappen had switched to hard tyres and was working his way through midfield traffic.

As he closed in on Hamilton – who was at the back of a DRS train – Verstappen sent his car down the inside at the high-speed left-hander. Hamilton opted to take to the runoff rather than risk a collision, and the move was flagged for investigation.

However, the stewards ultimately dismissed the inquiry, concluding:

“The Stewards determine that there was no contact and that the incident does not qualify as forcing another car off track despite the ambitious nature of the overtaking attempt and take no further action.”

Hamilton did not attend the post-race hearing, and Ferrari acknowledged during the review that he chose to take evasive action. The absence of any contact played a key role in the stewards’ decision.

Verstappen Shrugs Off Incident

Speaking after the race, Verstappen seemed bemused that the matter had even gone to the stewards, suggesting that Hamilton’s absence in the hearing room was telling.

“The thing is that nothing happened,” Verstappen said. “We didn't even touch. That's the thing. So, for me, it's a bit difficult to understand why we have the investigation after the race.”

“Lewis was not there, but we explained our side of the story. I don't think Lewis actually felt a lot for it, because if he really felt something for it, then of course he's there in the stewards' room.”

“I think both of us didn't have the best of weekends anyway. That's just that one little thing. The more important thing is that we have to look at our performance, which was not good.”

The Dutchman ultimately finished ninth in what he described as a disappointing outing for Red Bull, whose second car driven by Yuki Tsunoda limped home in 17th.

Marko Points to Strategy Woes

Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko echoed Verstappen’s frustration, focusing instead on what he viewed as flawed strategic calls that compounded the team’s struggles.

• Read also: Verstappen says Red Bull ‘going around in circles’ with unresponsive RB21

“One stop would have been better because the overtaking was really difficult,” Marko said. “So maybe sixth or fifth, but the speed... it’s just funny, two or three laps, he was doing the same laps as the leaders – but we believe we know what went wrong.”

“On the first stop the tyres were gone, and the second stop we thought we could overtake – but as we saw for a couple of laps, yes, the speed was there, but then it was over.”

Red Bull will now look to regroup during the summer break before heading to the Dutch Grand Prix, where Verstappen will aim to reclaim lost ground.

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