Verstappen avoids punishment after animated gesture during Hungarian GP FP1

Four-time Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen escaped without penalty after being investigated for an incident involving Carlos Sainz during the opening practice session for the Hungarian Grand Prix.

The FIA stewards reviewed an incident that occurred at 13:35 in Free Practice 1, when Verstappen was alleged to have breached Appendix L, Chapter IV, Article 2 e) of the International Sporting Code after slowing significantly at Turn 12.

However, after hearing from Verstappen, Sainz and representatives from both teams, as well as reviewing video footage, telemetry, team radio and onboard camera footage, the stewards decided to take no further action.

According to the official decision, the sequence of events began when Verstappen encountered Sainz, who had slowed unexpectedly on the racing line.

The stewards explained: "On the approach to turn 12, Car 3 had to move off the racing line to avoid Car 55 which had slowed unexpectedly on the racing line."

Frustrated by the incident, Verstappen dramatically slowed his Red Bull and gestured towards the Williams driver before allowing Sainz to pass.

The stewards continued: "The Driver of Car 3 then slowed significantly at turn 12 and gesticulated to the driver of Car 55 to mark his frustration that he had been impeded by Car 55. The driver of Car 55 then overtook Car 3."

Although Verstappen's actions prompted an investigation, Sainz confirmed that he had not been affected by the Red Bull driver's response.

The stewards noted: "The driver of Car 55 said that he was not in any way affected by Car 3 slowing at turn 12. No other car was affected."

As a result, the stewards concluded: "The Stewards therefore determined to take no further action."