McLaren’s Narrow Miss and Verstappen’s Towel Toss: Drama and Discipline in Hungary

As the Formula 1 season pushes forward, the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend has already delivered its fair share of drama, close calls, and disciplinary actions—even before the race begins. Two key storylines have dominated headlines in the paddock: a nail-biting moment between the two McLaren drivers, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, and a peculiar incident involving Max Verstappen and a rogue towel. Both episodes unfolded during Friday’s free practice sessions, and they offer a window into the high-stakes precision—and human fallibility—that define modern F1 racing.

McLaren: Friday Fast, But Nearly Flawed

McLaren arrived in Hungary with strong momentum. After showing promising pace in previous weekends, their performance during Free Practice 1 and 2 at the Hungaroring only confirmed what many had started to suspect: the papaya team is on the rise. With both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri looking sharp, McLaren topped timing sheets and asserted themselves as contenders.

“It’s been a good day overall,” Norris told Sky F1. “Since the first lap, the car has felt pretty good. All my laps have been decent.” He acknowledged a few errors in the second session but chalked it up to the natural learning curve of pushing limits during practice. “It’s all part of practice and finding the limit in different areas,” Norris said. “I know what I want from the car—it might be harder trying to get it.”

While that confidence is encouraging, things almost turned disastrous late in Free Practice 2. As Norris exited the pit lane, Piastri was charging down the main straight. The two converged at Turn 1, and a late lock-up from Norris forced Piastri to veer wide in evasive action. For a moment, a McLaren-on-McLaren collision looked imminent. Thankfully, both cars avoided contact, but the moment served as a stark reminder that even during non-competitive sessions, the margins in F1 are razor-thin.

The incident wasn’t just a scare—it was an insight into how fierce, and how closely matched, Norris and Piastri have become. Just a few weeks ago in Austria, Norris appeared to have the upper hand through most of the weekend, but Piastri came alive in the race, harrying his teammate and nearly pulling off a pass.

McLaren fans may find this inter-team battle thrilling, but for the engineers and strategists, managing the delicate balance between intra-team competition and team harmony is becoming increasingly crucial.

Red Bull and the Case of the Flying Towel

If McLaren’s Friday was a mix of speed and stress, Red Bull’s was defined by something much more unusual. During Free Practice 2, reigning World Champion Max Verstappen was spotted tossing what appeared to be a small towel from the cockpit of his RB21 while navigating Turn 3. The action raised immediate eyebrows—especially since Verstappen had noticeably slowed down and moved to the inside of the track to execute the throw.

The FIA promptly launched an investigation into the incident, and Verstappen was summoned to the stewards’ office for what was officially termed an “alleged unsafe release.” In Formula 1, releasing a car with a loose object in the cockpit—be it a water bottle, camera, or in this case, a towel—is typically treated seriously. Such objects can potentially interfere with the driver’s control of the car, leading to fines or other penalties for the team.

After reviewing video footage and in-car telemetry, as well as hearing from both Verstappen and a Red Bull representative, the stewards issued their decision: Red Bull would receive a formal warning, but no fine or grid penalty would be levied.

In their official verdict, the FIA stated:

“Shortly after Car 1 was released from its garage, the driver was observed to have thrown a towel out of the cockpit. The driver explained that while in the garage, the face towel had slipped from his lap to the side of the seat and the team was unaware that it remained in the cockpit. When the driver realized it was there, he moved to the far right of the track and attempted to throw it as far away from the car and the track as possible.”

Crucially, the stewards noted that while the towel had “the potential to become lodged in the footwell,” making the car unsafe, they considered it “less severe” than if a hard object had been left in the cockpit. Thus, a warning—not a penalty—was deemed sufficient.

The incident triggered mixed reactions from fans and analysts. On one hand, Verstappen’s choice to rid the cockpit of a loose item mid-lap carries a level of risk, especially at race speeds. On the other, had the towel slid under the pedals or obstructed the steering, the consequences could have been far worse.

Even seasoned F1 commentators were initially puzzled by Verstappen’s choice. Some suggested he should have returned to the pits to safely remove the item rather than attempt a toss on track. However, with the added context from the stewards’ report, many now understand why Verstappen acted as he did—and agree that a warning was an appropriate disciplinary outcome.

The Bigger Picture: Precision Under Pressure

These two incidents, though unrelated, speak volumes about the pressures and pitfalls of life in Formula 1. For McLaren, the friction between two talented drivers fighting for supremacy within the same team is both a blessing and a challenge. For Red Bull, the Verstappen towel saga may seem trivial on the surface, but it underscores how even the smallest oversight—like leaving a towel in the cockpit—can snowball into an official investigation.

These are the kinds of moments that teams, engineers, and drivers obsess over behind closed doors. In a sport where hundredths of a second can separate victory from defeat, and where every detail is logged, analyzed, and optimized, the margin for error is practically nonexistent.

Both McLaren and Red Bull are chasing very different goals this season. Red Bull is defending championships; McLaren is climbing back into contention. Yet both must grapple with the same truth: in F1, control is everything—of the car, the conditions, and sometimes, even a wayward towel.

Final Thoughts

As we head into the rest of the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend, both the McLaren and Red Bull garages will be laser-focused on maintaining composure and capitalizing on pace. McLaren will need to manage the internal dynamics between Norris and Piastri, ensuring that healthy competition doesn’t turn into on-track conflict. Meanwhile, Red Bull will look to put the towel incident behind them and continue their march forward with Verstappen at the helm.

F1 is a sport of milliseconds and millimeters. Whether it’s a risky overtake gone wrong or an object inadvertently left in the cockpit, the line between brilliance and blunder is incredibly thin. Hungary has already reminded us of that—and the race hasn’t even started yet.

There has been an update on the drivers involved

A FORMULA 4 race had to be suspended after FIFTEEN cars were involved in a horror crash.

The shocking incident occurred at the iconic Imola circuit in Italy this afternoon.

6

A horror pile-up occurred on the start line

6

One car failed to move as the lights went out

6

Drivers attempted to swerve out the way but it led to a huge crash

6

Debris scattered across the start line

6

Cars were sent flying off the track and onto the grass

6

15 cars were caught up in the accident and pulled out the race
The second race of the day saw a car fail to move as the lights went out.

As it sat stationary, the driver directly behind swerved out the way and accidentally wiped out a rival.

The car was sent flying off the track and onto the grass as debris scattered across the start line.

Several yellow flags were immediately waved but those at the back of the grid did not spot them.

A car went smashing into the back of the still stationary vehicle and it led to a horror pile-up.

The collision saw red flag was raised after just 17 seconds.

In total, 15 cars retired from the race.

Some immediately got out the driver’s seat but others worryingly remained inside.

It has since been reported that all involved are OK.

The names of those involved have not been confirmed.

Chiefs initially decided to suspend the action before then allegedly abandoning the race due to the track’s noise curfew.

There is no information as to when the race will be rescheduled for.

The Dutchman confirmed his future plans this week

MAX VERSTAPPEN threw the towel OUT during the second practice session in Budapest.

The four-time world champion found what looked like a towel that had been left in the cock-pit before hurling it out of his Red Bull while driving in FP2.

3

Max Verstappen threw a towel out of his car during practice in Hungary

3

Red Bull could now face a fine
The stewards said they would investigate the bizarre incident once the session had finished with Red Bull facing a potential fine.

This isn’t the first time something like this has happened with Lando Norris sent out with a spanner and a torch inside his car during opening practice at the Miami Grand Prix in May.

He said on the team radio at the time: “You have left so many tools in the cockpit. Everything is just falling apart.”

The stewards investigated the incident, but let McLaren off with a slap on the wrist instead of fining them for an unsafe release.

Verstappen struggled in both practice sessions today at the Hungaroring on the outskirts of Budapest.

It comes after he put the rumours to bed once for all about his future and confirmed he is STAYING at Red Bull on Thursday.

The four-time world champion, whose deal runs until 2028, had previously held talks with Mercedes over a potential move, with Red Bull struggling again this season.

Merc boss Toto Wolff confirmed the talks at the Austrian Grand Prix in June, with Verstappen open to considering his future options.

The Dutchman finished fourth in the Belgian Grand Prix last time out, meaning he can no longer trigger a release clause that relied on him being outside of the top three going into the summer break.

Ahead of the Budapest Grand Prix, he said: “I mean, it’s quite interesting to follow all that and the amount of nice stories that came out of it.

“But yeah, for me, I’ve never really said anything about it because I was just focused on talking to the team about how we can improve our performance, future ideas for next year as well.

“I think it’s time to basically stop all the rumors and for me, it’s always been quite clear that I was staying anyway.

“That was also the general feeling in the team anyway, because we were always in discussions about what we could do with the car.

“I think when you’re not interested in staying, then you also stop talking about these kinds of things. And I never did.”

Christian Horner was ruthlessly sacked by Red Bull two weeks ago, but Verstappen made it clear in Spa that the 51-year-old’s exit did not influence his future plans.

3

Max Verstappen confirmed this week that he will stay at Red BullCredit: Getty

Charles Leclerc beat Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris to pole position at the Hungarian Grand Prix but Ferrari also suffered a blow with Lewis Hamilton well down the order

Lewis Hamilton was visibly emotional after qualifying in Hungary(Image: PA)

Lewis Hamilton declared himself “useless” and told Ferrari they “probably need to change driver” after another galling qualifying performance at the Hungarian Grand Prix. But there was joy on the other side of the garage as Charles Leclerc secured a shock pole position in Budapest.

McLaren dominated practice and, like this season’s Formula 1 title race, the battle for pole looked likely to be a straight duel between Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris. But as the wind changed, in swept Leclerc to seal “one of the best poles I’ve ever had”, and Ferrari’s first Grand Prix qualifying success of the year.

He was the only one representing the team in the final part of the session with Hamilton already back in the garage. The seven-time champ was 13th quickest but gained a place when Kimi Antonelli had a lap deleted and was dropped to 15th.

It was the latest in a string of qualifying disasters for Hamilton who was in the bottom five in both sessions at Spa-Francorchamps last weekend. The 40-year-old has been on pole nine times at the Hungaroring in his F1 career but could not connect with a track he loves.

And he was visibly emotional in a tough-to-watch interview afterwards, in which he made it clear he believes he is the problem. Hamilton mumbled: “It’s just me, every time. I’m useless, absolutely useless. The team has no problem – the other car is on pole. They probably need to change driver.”

Ferrari have generally lacked the pace to fight for victories so far this season but Leclerc has still managed five podium finishes up to now. And he could make it six today, or perhaps even get the team’s first win of the year, having stunned even himself by denying the McLarens.

On Thursday, Leclerc said the Hungary circuit is “by far my worst track of the season”. But he changed his tune after qualifying and said: “It’s a track where I’ve never really been successful, but since practice I felt like there was something that had changed this year.

“It was the most surprising pole position I have had I think, because after Q1 and Q2 I was expecting maybe P5 if I did everything perfectly. But it was a lot better than that! It’s been a very tricky qualifying for everybody, but we managed to do a really good job anyway.”

Piastri joins Leclerc on the front row with Norris third ahead of fellow Brit George Russell in his Mercedes. Fernando Alonso is the first man since Graham Hill in 1975 to compete in F1 beyond his 44th birthday but has overcome a back injury to drive this weekend and will start fifth as Aston Martin found pace.

Rookie Gabriel Bortoleto also shone in his Sauber, qualifying seventh ahead of Max Verstappen who has never won a race from eighth on the grid in his career. And he doesn’t expect that to change today in a Red Bull car he is not enjoying one bit, saying: “No grip front or rear and no real balance in the car, not one lap the whole weekend. It’s not been too bad in the past but, for whatever reason, this weekend nothing has really worked.”

James Vowles worked closely with Michael Schumacher at Mercedes when he was already a seven-time Formula 1 champion and got to know the German on a personal level

Michael Schumacher made an impression on Mercedes staff during his three years with the team(Image: PA)

Michael Schumacher has earned plenty of plaudits over the years for his achievements in Formula 1. But those who worked closest with him in the paddock also knew a different side to the seven-time World champion.

One of those who had the pleasure of working closely with Schumacher during his time as an F1 driver is James Vowles. These days he is team principal at Williams but, before joining, he spent many years at Mercedes including between 2010 and 2012 when the German, brought out of retirement, helped to establish the outfit on the grid.

He did not win a race over the course of those three seasons, but did manage on podium at the 2012 European Grand Prix held in Valencia. One of the biggest impressions Schumacher made on Vowles, though, was as a human.

Speaking about the legendary racer on the High Performance podcast, Vowles gave an example of how Schumacher showed he cared about his colleagues. “First and foremost, he had a genuine interest in who you were and your life,” the Williams chief said.

“I went motorbiking on track with him – as in race bikes – on track with him in Paul Ricard, and we had the time of our lives. We both still laugh about it for many years after that,” Vowles told hosts Jake Humphrey and Damian Hughes.

“He knew at the time my partner’s birthday – flowers arrive at home and it embarrassed me because I didn’t do that much. He would take a genuine interest in who you are, who your family is, what drives you. Every single person in the team. And that’s hard to do.

“It’s not because he’s doing it because he wants to gain advantage. He does it because he really cares. That’s Michael. The Michael you had front-facing in front of the media is a very different Michael to what was behind the scenes. And that’s how he did it, fundamentally. So he would bring everyone on the journey and lead everyone on the journey.

“He was a leader that absolutely, he would say, ‘I’m going to go this way’. The team would follow him there, so much so that both sides of the garage wanted him to do well. So much so that one of my regrets in my career is we didn’t get a win for him. That still hurts me today. He deserved a win.”

Vowles did not specify who his partner was at that time. But he is now married to surgeon Rachel Rolph and they together confirmed last month the birth of their second child together – after their first daughter, Elodie, was born in early 2024.

Speaking about his “unbelievable” wife in a Telegraph interview days earlier, he said: “She’s one of the best surgeons in the UK, trained in plastics and breast cancer. She’s now doing a PhD on the use of mesh in the rebuild process post-mastectomy. Honestly, it’s life-changing stuff. I just work in F1 – she’s the clever one.”

Is It All Downhill From Here for Max Verstappen?

After more than a year of swirling speculation, botched negotiations, and endless media noise, the Max Verstappen-to-Mercedes saga appears to have reached its end—not with fireworks, but with a quiet whimper. Once considered a seismic possibility following Lewis Hamilton’s bombshell move to Ferrari in 2024, the door for Verstappen to join Mercedes has now all but closed.

And now, the once-unstoppable four-time world champion finds himself locked into a team that’s slipping, watching helplessly as his title chances fade. So, is it really downhill from here for Max Verstappen?

A Missed Opportunity

When Hamilton announced his 2025 switch to Ferrari, the F1 world was abuzz with speculation. Mercedes needed a new talisman, and Verstappen, amid Red Bull’s internal chaos—from Christian Horner’s controversies to power struggles behind the scenes—seemed perfectly poised to leave. He had exit clauses. Red Bull looked unstable. The stars, for a moment, aligned.

But that opportunity evaporated. At the 2024 Monza Grand Prix, Mercedes made their move—not for Verstappen, but for 17-year-old prodigy Kimi Antonelli. Despite Toto Wolff explicitly naming Verstappen as “Plan A,” Mercedes simply couldn’t activate the exit clause in Verstappen’s contract.

Fast forward to 2025, and the rumor mill churned again. This time, George Russell’s seat was in question as his contract was set to expire at the end of the season. Would Mercedes try one final time to bring in Verstappen for the new 2026 regulation era?

Once again, nothing came of it. Verstappen’s performance at the season’s midpoint kept him in the top four in the championship standings, rendering his exit clause null. Mercedes, faced with another closed door, offered Russell a two-year extension through 2027.

Two years, two chances, and twice the opportunity missed. And worse still? Verstappen’s title hopes are disintegrating in real time.

A Fallen Giant?

It’s an open secret now: Verstappen is not winning the 2025 title. Red Bull’s package isn’t competitive enough, and McLaren is simply operating on another level. With the looming uncertainty of Red Bull’s power unit program in 2026 and the departure of design genius Adrian Newey, the odds of a Red Bull resurgence in the next regulation era are slim.

That means Verstappen is staring down the barrel of two—possibly more—titleless seasons. On paper, that doesn’t sound catastrophic. Even the greats have had dry spells. But what makes this stretch so glaring is the speed of the downfall.

Just two years ago, Verstappen was a force of nature. Four consecutive titles. Dominance sealed before the summer break. He was untouchable.

Now? He’s not even in the conversation.

A Pattern We’ve Seen Before

F1 is fast, brutal, and unforgiving. Legends have fallen from grace seemingly overnight.

Fernando Alonso looked destined for a dynasty after 2005–06. He never won another title.

Sebastian Vettel was just 26 when he claimed his fourth consecutive title in 2013. He never won another.

Lewis Hamilton, denied a record eighth title in 2021, hasn’t had a title shot since.

The sport doesn’t wait. And Verstappen, whether fans admit it or not, is now at risk of following the same path.

The “Long Game” Myth

Some Verstappen loyalists claim he’s playing the long game—sticking with Red Bull through the transition, assessing the 2026 pecking order, and then jumping ship in 2027.

But this thinking is naive. It assumes Verstappen will still be the most wanted man in the paddock. It assumes teams will be ready and willing to tear up their lineups to sign him. And it forgets that F1 is a sport of timing, not just talent.

The door has to be open—and increasingly, those doors are closing.

Mercedes

If George Russell delivers in 2026, potentially even wins the title, there’s no justification for replacing him. And if Antonelli shows growth and promise, Mercedes won’t want to derail his development. Verstappen’s arrival would upend team dynamics and development focus.

Ferrari

Verstappen could only join if Hamilton retires after 2026 and if Ferrari is competitive. That’s two big ifs.

McLaren

Norris is signed through 2027, and Oscar Piastri is thriving. Verstappen doesn’t pair well with strong teammates; he thrives in No. 1 environments. McLaren won’t upset a proven duo.

Aston Martin: The Last Hope?

If there’s one real opening, it’s Aston Martin. Fernando Alonso is expected to retire in 2026, and the team has signed Adrian Newey, Honda engines are returning, and Max has shown interest in Aston’s endurance program.

Lawrence Stroll would likely break the bank for Verstappen. But there’s a catch: Aston must be competitive by 2027. If not, it’s just another lateral move.

A Changing Narrative

What’s most concerning for Verstappen isn’t just the missed opportunities. It’s the growing perception that he’s no longer special.

In the last six races of 2025:

No wins

Just one pole

One podium

A DNF in Austria

A messy clash with Russell in Spain

A P5 at Silverstone despite starting on pole

These aren’t results of a driver elevating a weak car. They’re results of a driver hanging on.

In F1, perception is almost as important as performance. When you win, you’re invincible. When you don’t, the mystique fades. And fans, media, and teams alike move on.

The Clock Is Ticking

Verstappen isn’t a lifer. He’s admitted he doesn’t want to race into his late 30s. He’s now a father. And he’s hinted at an early retirement.

If the next move doesn’t materialize soon, we might not be looking at a fading champion—we might be looking at a champion who quietly walks away.

This is what terrifies his fans. The haunting possibility that Verstappen, like Vettel before him, peaked too soon. Dominated early, only to spend the rest of his career searching for a comeback that never arrives.

Final Thoughts

Max Verstappen is still one of the most talented drivers in the world. But Formula 1 is about far more than raw speed. It’s about timing, opportunity, environment, and momentum.

And right now, Verstappen is running out of all four.

He’s missed the boat at Mercedes. He’s locked into a fading Red Bull. And unless Aston Martin pulls off something miraculous in 2026, he may find himself stuck in the midfield as new stars rise and the paddock reorients around them.

Can he win more titles? Of course.

But unless something changes dramatically, the path back to dominance isn’t just steep—it’s closing fast.

Full Video:

Lewis Hamilton and the Ferrari Cold War: A Revolution or a Rejection?

As the shimmering lights of Formula 1 continue to dazzle fans across the globe, a seismic shift is quietly taking shape within one of its most legendary teams. Ferrari—iconic, passionate, and steeped in history—is preparing for what was supposed to be a revolutionary chapter. At the heart of this renaissance was a blockbuster announcement: Lewis Hamilton, seven-time world champion, would be donning red in 2025. Yet, beneath the fanfare and headlines, the foundations are already shaking. And what was envisioned as a heroic new era might be unraveling before it even begins.

A Symbol of Hope or Division?

The SF-26, Ferrari’s upcoming car for the 2026 regulation overhaul, has become more than just a prototype. It is a battleground of visions, egos, and legacy. Internally, the car represents the culmination of years of planning. Externally, it symbolizes the team’s ambition to return to title contention.

But behind the closed doors of Maranello, that symbol is causing fractures.

Hamilton’s presence was always going to be significant. His pedigree, technical knowledge, and political clout have transformed every team he’s touched. But few at Ferrari were prepared for the intensity of his approach, nor the immediate impact of his expectations.

The Meeting That Sparked It All

It all began with a quiet, but telling move. Hamilton requested a private meeting with Enrico Gualtieri, Ferrari’s Power Unit Technical Director. While meetings between drivers and engineers are commonplace, this one stood out—not because it was technical, but because it was territorial.

By all accounts, the meeting wasn’t a discussion. It was a message.

Hamilton, concerned about the SF-26’s torque delivery and engine response, was not simply offering feedback. He was asking for influence—real, structural influence over development decisions. A move that no other Ferrari driver, certainly not a newcomer, had ever dared.

The Spa Catalyst

The turning point emerged after the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps. Starting from the pit lane, Hamilton made a commendable comeback. But it wasn’t his lap times that troubled him—it was the engine behavior.

“The car feels filtered,” he told his race engineer privately. The phrasing was subtle, but powerful. To Hamilton, the torque felt inconsistent—delayed, even manipulated.

Over the next two hours, he dived deep into the telemetry, cross-referencing simulation data with real-time performance. Most damning of all, he compared his engine maps with those of teammate Charles Leclerc. What he uncovered triggered alarm bells: inconsistencies in torque mapping, update timing, and calibration—differences that, if left unchecked, could suggest preferential treatment or, worse, internal bias.

Leclerc’s Quiet Resistance

Charles Leclerc, Ferrari’s homegrown star, did not respond publicly to the revelations. Instead, he offered a faint smile when asked—a gesture that conveyed volumes. To those close to him, it was not agreement. It was defiance.

For years, Ferrari’s technical direction has orbited around Leclerc. From his early days in the Ferrari Driver Academy to becoming the benchmark for the team’s car setup philosophy, Leclerc’s feedback has shaped the Scuderia’s DNA. Hamilton’s arrival threatens to rewrite that playbook.

The result? A subtle but unmistakable cold war.

A Team Divided

Insiders report that the dynamic between the two drivers has since grown colder. In the engineering room, eye contact is avoided. In debriefs, they sit apart. There are no overt confrontations, but silence often speaks louder than words.

Hamilton’s feedback, even when valid, doesn’t yield immediate technical response. During Spa’s FP2 session, his braking complaints went unaddressed. Meanwhile, when Leclerc mentioned rear-end instability, the garage responded within minutes—adjustments were made, and sector times improved immediately.

This isn’t about favoritism in the traditional sense. It’s systemic. Ferrari’s engineering infrastructure, having been molded around one voice for so long, is slow—perhaps unwilling—to pivot toward another.

Enter Matteo Metafonia: The Power Behind the Curtain

At the heart of Ferrari’s power unit program lies Matteo Metafonia, a quiet but crucial figure. Rarely seen on camera, he is the final authority on powertrain updates. No changes go through without his signature.

Hamilton, understanding this chain of command, made a politically charged request: he asked for Matteo to attend his upcoming factory visit. Symbolic? Yes. Strategic? Absolutely. If Hamilton could win Matteo’s trust—and thereby influence engine decisions—he could tilt Ferrari’s power dynamic without open confrontation.

The Simulation Controversy

Tensions came to a head after the Spa race, when both drivers participated in simulations for the Hungarian Grand Prix. At first glance, everything followed protocol. But when engineers sifted through the simulation logs, a critical discrepancy emerged.

Hamilton’s log was missing a key confirmation line regarding throttle blip synchronization—essential for torque remapping. Without it, automatic calibration couldn’t proceed. Manual adjustments, while possible, are time-consuming and procedurally complex. In contrast, Leclerc’s data was fully intact—and had already been implemented.

Hamilton didn’t lash out. He simply asked one chilling question: “Was Matteo involved in the session?”

The words were few. The message was deafening. I know who’s really in control.

2026: The Clock is Ticking

With sweeping regulation changes set for 2026, Hamilton knows this is his last great opportunity to shape a team around his image. At Mercedes, he once achieved this with stunning success—transforming the Silver Arrows into a juggernaut with Nico Rosberg and later Valtteri Bottas at his side.

But Ferrari is a different beast. The culture is deeply traditional, the hierarchy entrenched. Shifting its internal gravity requires not just skill, but surgical diplomacy.

Hamilton doesn’t just want to race the SF-26. He wants to design its soul—engine mapping, aero dynamics, feedback loops, technical response systems. And he wants to do it now, while the slate is still (relatively) clean.

The Isolation Strategy

According to internal sources, Ferrari’s engineering processes have started to splinter. Simulator data is now being handled separately. Technical briefings are divided. Hamilton has stopped asking for setup presets—instead, he demands raw telemetry, load cycles, and access to staff usually buried in the engineering pyramid.

Leclerc, for his part, is outwardly unbothered. “We know what we’re doing,” he remarked recently, smiling as he strolled down the pit lane. But those around him know the statement was too precise to be casual.

The Road Ahead: Make or Break

Hamilton has remained publicly silent since his internal complaints surfaced. But behind the scenes, he’s more active than ever. His demand for access to raw data and deep integration into engine development is not just a technical request. It’s a power move.

The question now is not whether Hamilton can deliver on the track. It’s whether Ferrari can evolve fast enough to meet the needs of a driver who no longer just races the car—he wants to build it.

And if that evolution doesn’t happen?

This revolution could end before it truly begins.

Full Video:

Hamilton and Verstappen Struggle in Hungary: What’s Going Wrong?

Formula 1 is never short on surprises, and the 2025 Hungarian Grand Prix qualifying session was a stark reminder of just how unpredictable the sport can be. Both seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton and three-time reigning champion Max Verstappen faced unexpected struggles on Saturday, failing to deliver the kind of performances fans have grown accustomed to. With mixed conditions, tight margins, and cars that looked difficult to tame, Hungary’s qualifying turned into a nightmare for two of F1’s biggest stars.

In this article, we dive deep into what went wrong for Hamilton and Verstappen, examining their on-track difficulties, team statements, and what this means for their chances in the race and beyond.

Hamilton’s Shock Q2 Exit: The Struggle Continues

Lewis Hamilton has long been considered a master of the Hungaroring, a track where he’s secured numerous wins and poles over the years. But this year’s qualifying told a very different story.

Knocked Out in Q2

Hamilton was eliminated in Q2 after setting only the 12th fastest time, a surprising result given Mercedes’ recent improvements. His final lap was over four-tenths slower than pole-sitter Charles Leclerc, who clocked a 1:15.3 to Hamilton’s 1:15.7. At first glance, the difference might not seem huge, but in F1 terms, it’s significant—especially in such a tightly packed grid where mere tenths can define the top 10.

Hamilton’s teammate George Russell also struggled, but the stark contrast to Leclerc—who managed to outpace both McLarens and secure pole—highlighted how elusive performance was for Hamilton’s side of the garage.

Difficult Conditions, Difficult Balance

Qualifying was made trickier by the mixed weather. Q1 began in dry conditions, Q2 saw light rain before drying again, and Q3 returned to dry. Track temperatures remained low throughout, adding further complication for tire warm-up and grip.

Hamilton pointed to an “inconsistent balance” as the core issue plaguing his weekend. In quotes attributed to RacingNews365, he described a car that was unpredictable and hard to trust:

“Big, big struggle with the balance of the car. We tried two different things. We tried to rectify some of the balance problems we had in FP1. We changed the car for FP2 and it’s just inconsistent—very, very inconsistent balance from corner to corner.”

Hamilton went on to explain that it wasn’t a matter of typical understeer or oversteer. Instead, the car behaved unpredictably—what he described as “very far from being on the rails.” He speculated that tire temperature might be playing a role in the lack of grip and feedback.

Verstappen’s Red Bull Woes: No Grip, No Pace

Max Verstappen’s run of dominance throughout the past few seasons has often made him the favorite heading into any Grand Prix weekend. But Hungary painted a different picture, one of a Red Bull car that looked genuinely off the pace.

Scraping into Q3

Unlike Hamilton, Verstappen did make it into Q3, but just barely. His final qualifying position was P8, far below the standard fans and the team expect. At one point during Q2, it looked like even Q3 would be a stretch.

Verstappen admitted that things just hadn’t clicked for him or the team all weekend:

“No, clearly not. I mean, otherwise of course we would have changed it already. But somehow this weekend nothing seems to work.”

Those words, again quoted by RacingNews365, capture the frustration within the Red Bull camp. The Dutch driver said the lack of grip—both front and rear—was evident throughout practice and qualifying. While other drivers found time and confidence as the sessions progressed, Verstappen’s struggles were consistent.

A Weekend with Bahrain Echoes

Verstappen compared the situation to Bahrain, where Red Bull similarly failed to find the sweet spot in car setup, leading to a rare off-the-pace performance. While in Bahrain the car’s fundamental issues were more clearly understood, Hungary’s problems seem more mystifying. And that’s perhaps even more worrying for Red Bull.

Unlike previous seasons where Verstappen could rely on superior race pace to recover from a poor qualifying, this weekend may prove different.

“Looking at the whole weekend I think we are happy to be in Q3 because I’ve been more outside the top 10 than in,” Verstappen admitted.

Close Margins, Tighter Field

While both Hamilton and Verstappen struggled, it’s worth noting how incredibly tight the qualifying field has become in 2025. A gap of just four-tenths separated first and twelfth in Q2, showing how little room for error there is now in modern F1.

This closeness also means that even minor issues—like struggling to get tires into the right temperature window or slight misjudgments in car setup—can result in a dramatic drop down the grid. That’s exactly what happened to both of these former champions in Hungary.

What Can They Do on Race Day?

Looking ahead to the Hungarian Grand Prix itself, the prospects for a dramatic comeback appear limited—at least on paper.

Hungaroring is a notoriously difficult circuit for overtaking, often compared to Monaco in that regard. Track position is king, and unless there’s rain or a safety car-induced shake-up, both Hamilton and Verstappen will likely struggle to make significant ground.

Still, Verstappen remains cautiously optimistic. Speaking to Motorsport.com, he noted:

“There are a few cars in front of me that I can maybe battle with a little bit, but also Lewis is still a bit further down the road. I think he shouldn’t be there, so he will come through a bit.”

This comment hints at the possibility of midfield battles, and perhaps some strategic flexibility on Sunday, but neither driver is expecting to challenge for the win without significant help from circumstance.

Bigger Picture: Trouble or Temporary?

For Hamilton and Mercedes, these struggles underscore a continuing theme from recent seasons. Despite some flashes of competitiveness, particularly in high-downforce circuits, the team still appears to lack the consistency needed to return to regular winning ways. The car’s behavior—from session to session—still appears unpredictable.

As for Verstappen and Red Bull, Hungary may be more of a one-off. The team has been dominant in most of the season so far, and Verstappen continues to lead the championship. But if more tracks expose similar weaknesses in car setup or performance windows, their advantage could shrink quickly.

Conclusion

The 2025 Hungarian Grand Prix qualifying delivered a harsh dose of reality for two of Formula 1’s most iconic names. Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, both expected to be at the sharp end of the grid, found themselves out of position and out of answers.

From balance issues and tire temperature struggles to a complete lack of grip, the reasons behind their qualifying woes varied, but the result was the same: a mountain to climb on race day.

Sunday’s race may offer a chance for redemption, but with overtaking at a premium and the midfield stronger than ever, the path forward looks tough. For fans, though, it adds an exciting twist—two champions with a point to prove, starting from the back.

A first Formula 1 season with Ferrari has not gone how Lewis Hamilton would have dreamed so far, his Sprint win in China the sole highlight of his maiden campaign in red so far

Lewis Hamilton has not yet had the success with Ferrari he would have wanted(Image: Icon Sport via Getty Images)

Lewis Hamilton has been slammed for his “inappropriate comments” at times this season. That criticism has come from a prominent former Formula 1 driver who believes some of the Brit’s outbursts are contributing to his dream Ferrari move turning into “a bit of a tragedy”.

Hamilton’s switch from Mercedes to Ferrari, announced early in 2024, was one of the biggest driver changes in the sport’s history. So hotly anticipated was the first sight of the seven-time F1 champion in his new surroundings that the first image of him standing in front of Enzo Ferrari’s house at Maranello broke the internet when posted on social media in January this year.

And there was early promise, despite a wretched debut for the Scuderia at the Australian Grand Prix. In just the second round of the season, 40-year-old Hamilton tasted victory with Ferrari for the first time when he won the Sprint race at the Chinese Grand Prix.

But he was disqualified from the main race a day later when his car failed post-race technical checks. And that set the tone for the next few months and, after the first six events of 24, his only Grand Prix result better than seventh place was the fifth he managed at the Bahrain Grand Prix.

He has found his feet a little more since the start of the European season and has finished fourth in a Grand Prix on three occasions. But the podium still eludes him, while his ultimate ambition of winning an eighth F1 title in red will require a significant improvement in results next year.

At times, the disappointment has got to Hamilton who has often pointed the finger at himself for a lack of performance. But he has also produced some punchy lines, particularly over the radio which has raised questions over the state of his relationship with new race engineer Riccardo Adami.

Last time out at the Belgian Grand Prix, Ferrari introduced an upgraded new rear suspension which helped team-mate Charles Leclerc to record a fifth podium of the year. In contrast, Hamilton finished seventh at Spa-Francorchamps and said after the race that his car felt “the same as before”.

In the eyes of Ralf Schumacher, it is a weakness of Hamilton that he struggles to adapt to change as well as some others on the grid. Speaking on a German-language podcast, the six-time F1 race winner also criticised the Brit for some of those comments he makes at times which he believes increases the pressure.

Schumacher said of Hamilton: “Lewis just finds it harder to cope with changes – he’s simply more sensitive in that regard. Perhaps this new rear axle at Ferrari also unintentionally suits Leclerc’s driving style better. We’ll have to wait and see in the next few races.

“It’s a bit of a tragedy and Hamilton sometimes makes inappropriate comments. Then to deliver a weekend like the one at Spa is, of course, unfortunate. But I would give him a little more time.”

Wembley Stadium hosted Romeo Beckham and Manchester City player John Stones in its VIP section for Noel Gallagher and Liam Gallagher’s latest Oasis reunion gig tonight

Romeo Beckham and footballer John Stones were among the Oasis fans at Wembley Stadium tonight(Image: Daily Mirror)

The audience at Oasis’ latest concert at Wembley Stadium included Romeo Beckham tonight. He was spotted in the crowd at the venue in London beside a footballer who plays for a rival squad to David Beckham’s favourite team.

Romeo, 22, has been spotted at the gig, which is the band’s fourth performance at the stadium on the Oasis Live ’25 tour, this evening. The model was seen alongside footballer John Stones, 31, in an exclusive section of the venue.

He appeared to be in good spirits in photos that show him waiting for the reunited rock band to take to the stage earlier tonight. It comes after Wayne Rooney is banned from watching son, 15, play football for sad reason.

Romeo Beckham (centre) was seen at Wembley Stadium alongside footballer John Stones (right) during an Oasis concert earlier tonight(Image: Daily Mirror)

The photos showed Romeo in the VIP area of Wembley Stadium, which welcomed a host of other celebrities last weekend. He was spotted beside Manchester City player John, who plays for England internationally, in the crowd.

Romeo, who supports Arsenal, was seen smiling and talking whilst in the exclusive section, which is located on the lower level on the venue. He was seen speaking to John “at length” whilst they waited for Oasis to perform at the gig.

His father David notably played for Manchester United for more than a decade instead. A life-long fan of the team, he’s poked fun over being rivals with Man City, supporting by Noel Gallagher and Liam Gallagher, over the years.

They were seen in a VIP area at the stadium prior to the band taking to the stage for the reunion gig(Image: Daily Mirror)

It included after he had watched the documentary Oasis Knebworth 1996, which was released in 2021. Alongside a photo of himself and pal Noel, football manager David wrote in a post on social media: “What a great film mate … Oasis at Knebworth 1996 … Absolutely loved it … Took me right back to the good old 90’s when United were winning everything.”

David has himself been teased over his loyalty to United. As reported at the time, Romeo trolled his father in 2023 after the retired footballer’s team lost 3-2 to Arsenal in a match at Emirates Stadium that they had both attended.

Alongside a post-match selfie showing them stood outside the stadium following his team’s victory, Romeo wrote in a message to his father on Instagram at the time: “Sleep tight dad.” David responded on the platform: “Whatever.”

David has previously spoken about Romeo not supporting United and reportedly once said that he was “disappointed” when he found out about his love of Arsenal. He’s said that he let his children support who they want to though.

Romeo appeared in good spirits as he waited for the gig to start(Image: Daily Mirror)

Speaking to Shortlist in 2012, he said: “I tried to get Man United shirts on them early.” David then confirmed that Romeo supports Arsenal and told the outlet that he believes it was prompted by attending one of their games once.

David said that former manager Arsene Wenger treated Romeo “so well at the game,” including having given him a personalised shirt. David, who said he had a similar experience with United growing up, added: “I let them support whoever they want. They don’t have to support the teams I played for.”