In a thrilling moment during the Hungarian Grand Prix, Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton clashed on lap 63, prompting an investigation by race stewards. Despite the collision, stewards ruled no further action was needed, allowing Verstappen to keep his fifth-place finish. Here’s a breakdown of the incident, the stewards’ analysis, and what it means for both drivers moving forward.
The Collision and Context
Already frustrated with Red Bull’s strategy calls, Verstappen was fighting his way back up the grid. After overtaking Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari, he faced a more significant challenge in Hamilton’s Mercedes. Attempting an inside pass on Turn 1, Verstappen locked up and collided with Hamilton’s right-front wheel. While Hamilton continued to secure his 200th career podium behind Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, Verstappen fell back to fifth, embroiled in a fierce battle with Carlos Sainz.
Stewards’ Verdict Explained
The stewards provided a detailed report on the incident:
Initial Overtake Attempt: Both Verstappen and Hamilton overtook Alex Albon before the turn. Hamilton returned to the racing line before braking, while Verstappen, utilizing DRS, approached Turn 1 faster than previous laps.
Verstappen’s Argument: Verstappen claimed Hamilton was changing direction under braking, a move that could have contributed to the incident.
Hamilton’s Defense: Hamilton argued that he was following his usual line, as confirmed by video and telemetry evidence.
Lock-up and Impact: Stewards noted Verstappen locked up his front wheels approaching Turn 1, missing the typical cornering line for a clean overtake. This miscalculation led to the collision.
Decision: The stewards determined this was not a standard case of “changing direction under braking” and noted that Hamilton could have done more to avoid the collision. However, they concluded neither driver was predominantly to blame, leading to the decision for no further action.
Implications for the F1 Championship
This verdict has significant implications for the drivers:
- Verstappen’s Challenge: Retaining fifth place helps Verstappen secure crucial points as he continues his title defense.
- Hamilton’s Milestone: By sidestepping penalties, Hamilton achieves his 200th career podium, bolstering his standing in the season.
Conclusion
The Hungarian Grand Prix once again showcased the intense rivalry between Verstappen and Hamilton. With the stewards’ verdict in, both drivers are set to continue their battle as the F1 season progresses, and fans can expect more thrilling clashes on the track.
