The stewards have concluded their inquiry into Max Verstappen’s overtaking maneuver on Lewis Hamilton during the Hungarian Grand Prix, deciding not to impose any penalties. The incident occurred at Turn 4, where Verstappen’s aggressive move resulted in Hamilton leaving the track, but officials found no evidence that Verstappen forced the Ferrari driver off the road.
Verstappen was on fresher hard tyres after his first pit stop and was rapidly climbing through the pack early in his second stint. When he caught up to Hamilton, who was trailing behind a group including Liam Lawson, Oliver Bearman, and Isack Hadjar, Verstappen pursued his opportunity for several laps before attempting the pass on the inside heading into the fast left-hander at Turn 4.
Details of the pass and reactions from drivers involved
During the move, Verstappen positioned himself on the inside line, prompting Hamilton to go off the tarmac and across the run-off area. Although this prompted a stewards’ review, Lewis Hamilton chose not to attend the hearing. The stewards’ report included statements from both teams, with the Ferrari representative confirming Hamilton took evasive action without any contact between the cars.
Verstappen was quoted explaining his side: he had gained momentum from Turn 3 with his fresher tyres and believed he controlled his car sufficiently to have left space if Hamilton had stayed on track. However, once Hamilton went off, Verstappen used the full width of the track exiting the corner.
Stewards affirm no contact or forcing off the track occurred
The official decision emphasized the lack of contact and concluded that the incident did not constitute forcing another driver off the racing surface despite the bold nature of Verstappen’s attempt. The stewards stated,
“Taking all this into account, 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.”
This outcome leaves the move officially classified as clean and within racing parameters.
Verstappen dismisses the controversy and comments on Hamilton’s absence from the hearing
After the race, Verstappen downplayed the significance of the incident, suggesting the investigation was unwarranted. He noted that the absence of Hamilton from the stewards’ room implied the seven-time world champion was not interested in pursuing a penalty.
“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.”
—Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing
He also added,
“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.”
—Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing
Verstappen acknowledged that both drivers had struggled over the weekend and stressed that focusing on overall performance was more important than this isolated moment.
Verstappen’s explanation of the dynamics behind the overtaking attempt
Regarding the overtaking move itself, Verstappen explained the reasoning behind choosing the inside line at such a high-speed corner and how downforce levels impacted control through Turn 4.
“I went for a move up the inside, because it’s a fast corner, but with downforce, you’re a bit more under control anyway.”
—Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing
He suggested Hamilton’s reaction came too late to avoid leaving the track and that there was no contact between the cars.
“I think he realised very late that I was up the inside there. So then he turned out of it a little bit and then went off the track. And that was it. We didn’t touch. Nothing happened.”
—Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing
Implications for future racing conduct and rivalry between Verstappen and Hamilton
This incident highlights the ongoing tension and aggressive racing between Verstappen and Hamilton, two of Formula 1’s leading figures. The stewards’ ruling confirms that adventurous overtakes at challenging corners like Turn 4 at the Hungarian Grand Prix remain permissible so long as no physical contact or clear forcing off track occurs. However, the unresolved dynamics from such close battles contribute to the intense on-track rivalry and psychological pressure.
With both drivers acknowledging less-than-ideal weekends in Hungary, attention will now likely shift to refining their cars and strategies for upcoming races. The absence of Hamilton at the hearing may fuel further speculation, but the official no-penalty verdict solidifies Verstappen’s aggressive style as within the sport’s current boundaries.