Verstappen Cleared After Controversial Hamilton Incident at Hungarian Grand Prix

The 2025⁤ Hungarian Grand Prix delivered drama both on and ⁣off the track, with a contentious incident between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton drawing scrutiny from race stewards. Despite a⁢ post-race examination, Verstappen has been⁢ cleared of any wrongdoing,⁣ with the official verdict pointing to Hamilton’s decision-making in the moment.

Verstappen and Hamilton Clash at Turn 4

During the race, Verstappen attempted an enterprising overtake on Hamilton into Turn 4. The move saw Verstappen dive⁣ to the inside, ultimately resulting in Hamilton running wide and dropping down the order. The incident instantly sparked debate, with many questioning whether verstappen⁢ had forced Hamilton off the track.

Verstappen, though, defended his actions, stating, “I went for a move at the inside as it’s⁢ a fast corner, but with downforce you’re a bit ⁢more under control anyway. I think he realised vrey late that ⁢I was up the inside there. ⁣So then he turned out of it a little bit, and then, ⁢of course, went off the track, and that was it. we didn’t touch. ⁢Nothing happens.”

The Red Bull driver expressed frustration ⁣with the subsequent hearing, feeling it ⁢was unneeded given the lack of contact. “I think the problem is that we have so many ⁣rules, ⁣of course, ⁤it’s always a complicated matter. It’s not always super clear with things. But it’s always a bit weird that you‍ have to go‍ to the stewards for something that you didn’t even have a contact or whatever.”

Stewards’ Verdict: No Wrongdoing Found

Following a thorough review of video evidence, in-car footage, and statements from both drivers and team representatives, the stewards resolute that Verstappen was not at fault. Notably, Hamilton chose not to attend the hearing.

The official verdict confirmed there was no contact between the two cars. Ferrari corroborated this, and crucially, stated that Hamilton “chose not to attempt” to stay on the track.

The stewards’ report detailed‍ Verstappen’s account, explaining he gained momentum on fresher tyres and used it to attempt the inside⁣ move. He maintained he was in control and coudl have left more space, but Hamilton had already gone off track.”Taking all this into account, the Stewards‍ determine that there was no contact and that the incident dose not qualify ⁢as forcing another car off⁣ track despite the ambitious nature of the overtaking attempt and take no further action.”

Impact on Championship Standings

The incident proved costly for both drivers. ⁤Verstappen ⁢finished the race in ninth place – his‍ lowest result of the 2025 F1 season -⁣ while Hamilton struggled to 12th, finishing outside of the points.

Despite the disappointing result in Hungary,Verstappen‍ remains in a strong position in the championship standings. He heads into ⁢the summer break⁣ with a 15-point lead over George Russell in the battle for a spot on the podium alongside the McLaren drivers.

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