Max Verstappen revealed that Lewis Hamilton waived his right to see the stewards after the pair’s on-track incident at the Formula 1 Hungarian Grand Prix was investigated.
The pair almost collided at the midway point of the race at the Hungaroring, when the Dutchman had a look up the inside of the Ferrari at Turn 4.
Verstappen’s Red Bull was successful in the move, as Hamilton took to the track limits to avoid extreme contact.
The incident was noted by race control and investigated by the stewards, with Hamilton opting not to personally partake in the post-race meeting.
A Ferrari representative was instead present, and confirmed on Hamilton’s behalf that, as per the stewards’ report, “there was no contact between both cars and further stated that the driver of Car 44 chose not to attempt to remain on track.”
The report therefore concluded: “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.”
Verstappen, speaking to media including Motorsport Week after the race, in which he finished ninth, was categorical in his stance, which was officially vindicated.
“The thing is that nothing happened,” he said. “We didn’t even touch. That’s the thing. So, for me, it’s a bit difficult to understand why we have the investigation after the race.
“Lewis was not there, but we explained our side of the story.
“I don’t think Lewis actually felt a lot for it, because if he really felt something for it, then of course he’s there in the stewards’ room.”
Verstappen concerned by ‘not good’ Red Bull performance
Verstappen was more concerned about the performance of the RB21 and the subsequent result, being the last car on the lead lap, finishing over a minute behind race-winner Lando Norris.
“I think both of us [he and Hamilton] didn’t have the best of weekends anyway,” he conceded. “That’s just that one little thing.
“The more important thing is that we have to look at our performance, which was not good.
“I went for a move up the inside, because it’s a fast corner, but with downforce, you’re a bit more under control anyway.
“I think he realised very late that I was up the inside there. So then he turned out of it a little bit and then went off the track.
“And that was it. We didn’t touch. Nothing happened.”
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