Why was Max Verstappen cleared after his controversial clash with Lewis Hamilton ? And why did Hamilton skip the hearing?
Max Verstappen has been officially cleared following a heated incident with Lewis Hamilton at the Hungarian Grand Prix. Meanwhile, Hamilton’s absence from the post-race hearing has raised eyebrows. So, what really happened behind the scenes of this decision?
Verstappen cleared after incident with Hamilton
The controversy unfolded on lap 29 of the Hungarian Grand Prix. Verstappen attempted a bold overtake on Hamilton going into Turn 4. According to the information relayed by RaceFans, the two cars didn’t make contact. However, Hamilton was forced off track to avoid a collision. The move immediately triggered a stewards’ investigation.
Against expectations, Verstappen was cleared of any wrongdoing. The FIA concluded that no action was necessary. According to the stewards’ report, Verstappen could have stayed tighter on the inside line but used the full width of the track once Hamilton backed off.
A key factor in Verstappen’s clearance was Hamilton’s decision not to contest the incident. He did not file a complaint and skipped the hearing entirely. Instead, he sent a Ferrari representative.
Hamilton’s absence raises big questions
Hamilton’s absence quickly became a hot talking point. For some, it signaled indifference toward the incident. For others, it suggested he didn’t want to escalate tensions or believed a penalty wasn’t worth pursuing. Either way, his decision not to attend likely played a role in Max Verstappen being cleared.
The case highlights the razor-thin line between an aggressive but legal maneuver and one that warrants a penalty. While the FIA’s ruling may appear controversial to some fans, it underscores just how complex it is to judge these split-second decisions in racing. Moreover, it reflects their growing preference to “let them race” as long as no direct contact occurs.
