Verstappen cleared, Sainz warned after FP1 incident
F1 · penalty · 2026-07-26
Both Max Verstappen and Carlos Sainz were summoned to stewards after FP1 at the 2026 Hungarian Grand Prix on 24 July 2026, following a confrontation at Turn 12 in which Sainz, on a preparation lap, braked on the racing line and was struck by the approaching Verstappen on a flying lap, forcing the Red Bull wide. Verstappen then appeared to slow deliberately in front of Sainz at Turn 12 in retaliation. Stewards cleared Verstappen of deliberate dangerous driving, citing that Sainz himself stated he was not impeded and no other car was affected. Sainz received an official warning for the initial blocking incident, with a radio malfunction on his car cited as a contributing factor.