Race stewards have decided not to take any further action following the collision between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen during the Hungarian Grand Prix.
Verstappen was trying to overtake Hamilton on the inside into Turn 1, but he locked up and his left rear hit Hamilton’s front right. This caused the Red Bull to be launched into the air, with Verstappen believing Hamilton had moved while braking. However, the stewards disagreed, though they noted Hamilton’s involvement in the incident.
VERSTAPPEN 💥 HAMILTON
A big hit which sent the Red Bull flying and ultimately ended the fight for P3 🥉#F1 #HungarianGP pic.twitter.com/I7K2Nu5sgG
— Formula 1 (@F1) July 21, 2024
“Car 1 entered the turn faster than before (due to DRS) and braked at the same point as previously,” the stewards’ decision stated. “Hamilton argued that Verstappen was changing direction under braking. Hamilton maintained that he was following his usual racing line (confirmed by video and telemetry evidence from previous laps).
“Verstappen locked up both front wheels before the impact occurred, deviating from the typical cornering line for an overtaking maneuver.
“Hamilton claimed it was a racing incident, while Verstappen argued it was a case of changing direction under braking.
“The stewards do not see it as a usual case of ‘changing direction under braking,’ although they believe Hamilton could have done more to avoid the collision.
“Therefore, it was determined that neither driver was predominantly at fault, and no further action will be taken.”
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Prior to the decision, Hamilton had already stated that he did not consider the incident serious but was unhappy with Verstappen’s accusation of changing direction under braking.
“From what I can recall, we were passing a backmarker,” Hamilton explained. “As I reached the braking zone, Max was overtaking the car behind me, so I moved to defend. I left room on the inside, but Max locked up and his trajectory was different from mine. I was following the corner, and he came across.”
“It felt like a racing incident. Mistakes can happen easily, so I don’t think there should be any animosity. But of course, there always will be from his side.”
