A Competitive Weekend Ends in Controversy
Both Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton endured disappointing weekends at the 2025 Hungarian Grand Prix. Verstappen qualified eighth and finished ninth, while Hamilton struggled in qualifying, started 12th, and failed to score points in the race .
Tensions peaked on lap 29 (reported by Red Bull as “Lap 30”) at Turn 4, when Verstappen attempted a daring inside pass. Hamilton went wide into the runoff to avoid contact. Though the two did not touch, stewards opened a post-race investigation into alleged forcing off track .
Verstappen’s Scathing Comment
In response, Red Bull took to social media with a provocative message:
“Lap 30: Max scares Lewis off the road at Turn 4 and is up to P11.”
This public statement, praising his manoeuvre before the stewards had a verdict, sparked fan outrage and headlines about the team’s tone .
Speaking afterward, Verstappen defended himself, arguing:
“The thing is that nothing happened. We didn’t even touch… difficult to understand why… we had the investigation.”
He added that Lewis wasn’t present at the hearing, implying the Ferrari driver did not feel strongly enough to contest it .
FIA Outcome
Both drivers and team representatives attended a stewards’ hearing after the race, although Hamilton waived his right to participate in person .
The stewards ultimately concluded there was no contact nor sufficient evidence that Verstappen forced another car off track. No action was taken, and Verstappen retained his race position .
Expert Perspective
Sky F1 analyst Anthony Davidson praised Hamilton for his situational awareness, saying Hamilton had the capability to anticipate and avoid contact under intense pressure, despite Verstappen’s aggressive move .
Final Word
Verstappen’s sharp dig in the cooldown room—or via team media channels—summed up Red Bull’s confidence in their driver’s control and assertion. However, critics pointed out the tone-deaf nature of the social post, especially as the investigation remained pending when it was published.
In the end, Verstappen avoided sanctions, and the FIA confirmed the incident did not meet the threshold for wrongdoing. But the episode amplified scrutiny on both the rivalry and racecraft at Hungary.
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