Max Verstappen reignited his long-standing rivalry with Lewis Hamilton by delivering a cutting remark following their controversial clash at the Hungarian Grand Prix—an incident that prompted an official investigation by the stewards. Both drivers endured a torrid weekend, marred by poor qualifying results and underwhelming race performances that left them well outside the points battle.
Verstappen lined up in eighth after a lackluster Saturday, while Hamilton failed to progress beyond Q2, starting down in 12th. Race day brought little redemption for either: Hamilton languished outside the top ten and was lapped by the leaders, while Verstappen slumped to ninth, finishing behind former teammate Liam Lawson in the Racing Bull. For the Dutchman, it was an ignominious result that virtually extinguished any lingering championship aspirations.
The flashpoint occurred on lap 30 as Hamilton found himself stuck in a DRS train behind Ollie Bearman’s Haas. Sensing an opportunity, Verstappen launched an aggressive move into Turn 4, forcing Hamilton to the runoff area to avoid contact. Although the maneuver enabled Verstappen to claim the position, stewards noted the incident for review, citing a possible breach for “allegedly forcing another car off track.” The investigation carried echoes of their infamous collision at the same circuit a year prior, which briefly sent Verstappen airborne.
Post-race, Verstappen voiced frustration over the inquiry, while taking the opportunity to mock his rival. “I’m disappointed this even goes to the stewards—just analyze it during the race,” he said. The reigning champion added pointedly: “I set my nose alongside, he got scared and went off. Simple as that.” Shrugging off the threat of sanctions, Verstappen quipped, “Whether it’s P9 or zero points, it makes no difference.” In a further twist, Hamilton opted not to attend the stewards’ hearing, prompting Verstappen to question the necessity of the probe altogether.
Hamilton, when asked for his account, appeared detached, admitting he barely recalled the moment: “I don’t really remember. I saw him close to my right wheel at the last second, so I avoided a collision.” Ultimately, the stewards deemed the altercation a racing incident and took no further action. Meanwhile, Lando Norris secured victory ahead of Oscar Piastri, tightening McLaren’s grip on the constructors’ fight and leaving Verstappen a distant third in the standings—81 points adrift heading into the Dutch Grand Prix after the summer break.
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