Max Verstappen, reigning Formula 1 world champion, found himself in the spotlight for an unusual reason during the Hungarian Grand Prix's second practice session. The Red Bull driver was issued a warning by race stewards after he threw a towel from his cockpit. The stewards considered the incident a result of the car being sent onto the track in an unsafe condition. While Verstappen explained that disposing of the towel was a safety measure to prevent hazards to other drivers, the event did not lead to a direct penalty for him.
However, the incident highlighted the intense scrutiny in Formula 1 regarding driver and team conduct. Verstappen's team, Red Bull, also received a reprimand for the mishap. Despite the seemingly minor nature of the incident, it underscored ongoing challenges for Verstappen, who is contending with a significant points deficit behind McLaren's Oscar Piastri. This unexpected episode unfolded as Verstappen grappled with balance issues in his car, resulting in a modest 14th place finish in practice. Amidst these challenges, the McLaren drivers showcased superior performance, adding pressure to Verstappen's championship campaign.
