Verstappen-Hamilton Collision Declared a Racing Incident by Stewards

https://icaro.icaromediagroup.com/system/images/photos/16298607/original/open-uri20240721-55-1pxml1v?1721604774
ICARO Media Group
News
21/07/2024 23h12

In a verdict that has sparked much debate in the Formula 1 community, Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton have been cleared of blame for their collision during the Hungarian Grand Prix. The incident occurred at turn one as Verstappen attempted to overtake Hamilton on the inside, leading to contact between their cars.

The stewards acknowledged that Hamilton "could have done more to avoid the collision." They stated that he had returned to the racing line before the braking zone and turned into the corner as per his normal racing line, based on video and telemetry evidence from previous laps. However, they also noted that Verstappen approached the turn faster than previous laps due to the DRS, and both of his front wheels locked up before the collision.

Verstappen accused Hamilton of changing his line under braking, asserting that if he hadn't turned while braking straight, a collision would have been inevitable. He compared the incident to a previous race in Austria where he defended against Lando Norris and received a warning from the FIA. Verstappen claimed that Hamilton had turned right during the braking phase, impeding his overtaking maneuver.

Hamilton, on the other hand, denied Verstappen's accusation and described the collision as a "racing incident." He acknowledged Verstappen's ability to brake later and emphasized that he stayed still while Verstappen made the move on the inside. Hamilton believed that the collision occurred because Verstappen's wheel went over his car. He further commented on the impressive pace of Verstappen and other competitors in the last sector of the race.

Ultimately, the stewards did not accept Verstappen's argument that Hamilton changed his line under braking. They determined that it was not a case of "changing direction under braking." However, they did conclude that Hamilton "could have done more" to prevent the collision. Consequently, the stewards declared that neither driver was predominantly to blame and decided to take no further action.

The decision has sparked mixed reactions among fans and pundits. Many have praised the stewards for their thorough examination of the incident, while others argue that Hamilton should have been penalized for his role in the collision. As the championship battle between Verstappen and Hamilton intensifies, it remains to be seen how this incident will impact their future on-track battles.

In the aftermath of the collision, both drivers managed to continue the race, although Verstappen lost another place to Charles Leclerc and finished behind both Leclerc and Hamilton. Verstappen's claims and Hamilton's denial set the stage for further drama and rivalry between the two drivers in future races.

The Hungarian Grand Prix collision will undoubtedly remain a hot topic of discussion within the Formula 1 community, highlighting the inherent risks and challenges of high-speed racing. As the championship continues, both Verstappen and Hamilton will undoubtedly strive to gain the upper hand, leaving fans eagerly anticipating their next encounter on the track.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

Related