The FIA stewards at the Hungarian Grand Prix have explained why Max Verstappen was not handed a penalty after being alleged to have forced another car off track.
On Lap 29 of the 70-lap race at the Hungaroring, the Dutchman, who was on a charge, lunged up the inside of Lewis Hamilton's Ferrari at Turn 4.
As a consequence, the seven-time F1 drivers' champion took to the run-off area, losing the position to the Red Bull.
Despite there being no contact between the two great adversaries, it was quickly noted by race control, with the stewards opting to take a fuller look at the incident after the race instead of making an immediate decision.
As such, both Verstappen and Hamilton were summoned after finishing ninth and P12, respectively.
The British driver, however, waived his right to attend the meeting, something the former flagged in his post-race comments when questioning the logic of delayed review over an incident the latter clearly was not concerned by.
Nonetheless, a Ferrari team representative attended on Hamilton's behalf, providing testimony that was crucial to the decision not to punish Verstappen.
The stewards ultimately delivered their verdict based on multiple factors.
Firstly, the four-time F1 drivers' champion explained that he was in "full control" of his RB21 and only went to the exit of the corner because Hamilton had already vacated the space by going off track; he could have stayed further to the inside to leave space for the SF-25 if needed.
Secondly, the Ferrari representative confirmed there was no contact, as suspected, and also that Hamilton "chose not to attempt to remain on track" to fight for the position.
Therefore, the stewards felt it did not qualify as "forcing another car off track", despite the "ambitious nature" of Verstappen's move.
The full explanation by the stewards for their "no further action" verdict is below.
Stewards' verdict from official FIA decision document
The driver of Car 1 stated during the hearing that he had gained some momentum on Car 44 out of Turn 3 with fresher tyres and used this momentum to make a move on the inside into Turn 4. He further elaborated that he was in full control of his car and could have stayed further to the inside to leave space for Car 44 on the exit. However he said, as Car 44 had gone off track, he elected to use all of the track on the exit.
The team representative of Car 44 confirmed that there was no contact between both cars and further stated that the driver of Car 44 chose not to attempt to remain on track.
Taking all this into account, the Stewards determine that there was no contact and that the incident does not qualify as forcing another car off track despite the ambitious nature of the overtaking attempt and take no further action.
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