The 2024 Hungarian Grand Prix took a dramatic turn when a collision between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton led to widespread controversy. Amidst the chaos, Red Bull’s Helmut Marko has stepped into the fray, defending his driver and squarely placing the blame on Hamilton.
The collision occurred on lap 23, as Verstappen and Hamilton battled fiercely for position. In a moment that left fans gasping, the two titans of Formula 1 collided, sending Verstappen into the barriers and out of the race. The immediate aftermath saw a flurry of accusations and counter-accusations, with both drivers adamant about their innocence.
Max Verstappen did not hold back in his criticism of Hamilton, accusing the seven-time world champion of reckless driving. “It’s always the same with him,” Verstappen fumed post-race. “He just can’t accept when someone’s faster. He turned in on me, it’s clear as day.”
Verstappen’s frustration was palpable, and his ire was directed not just at Hamilton but also at the stewards, whom he felt had made a biased decision. “They never penalize him. If it were me, I’d be handed a race ban,” he added, his voice dripping with bitterness.
#### Helmut Marko’s Defense
Adding fuel to the fire, Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s motorsport advisor, echoed Verstappen’s sentiments. Marko, known for his forthright opinions, labeled the crash as a deliberate move by Hamilton. “It’s all lies, every time Hamilton gets away with it,” Marko stated emphatically. “He knew exactly what he was doing. Max was ahead, and he turned in on him. This isn’t racing; it’s sabotage.”
Marko’s comments have reignited debates about the long-standing rivalry between Red Bull and Mercedes, and between Verstappen and Hamilton in particular. The Austrian’s words reflect a deeper sense of frustration within the Red Bull camp, one that has been brewing over several seasons of intense competition.
Hamilton, on his part, has denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that it was a racing incident. “These things happen when you’re pushing the limits,” he explained. “There was no intention to cause a collision. It’s unfortunate, but it’s racing.” The FIA has launched an investigation into the crash, with stewards reviewing telemetry data and on-board footage to determine if any penalties are warranted. As of now, the decision remains pending, adding to the tension and anticipation.
The paddock is abuzz with opinions, with drivers and team principals weighing in on the incident. Some support Verstappen and Marko’s view, citing Hamilton’s aggressive racing style as problematic. Others defend Hamilton, pointing out that such incidents are part and parcel of high-stakes racing.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has dismissed Marko’s accusations as baseless. “Helmut is always quick to point fingers,” Wolff remarked. “Lewis is a professional, and he races hard but fair. We’ll await the FIA’s findings and move forward from there.”
The Hungarian GP crash has undoubtedly added another chapter to the storied rivalry between Verstappen and Hamilton. With the championship race tighter than ever, every point and every incident is magnified. As fans and analysts dissect the crash, one thing is certain: the drama and excitement of Formula 1 continue to captivate the world.
As the dust settles, all eyes will be on the next race, where both drivers will undoubtedly be keen to prove a point. Verstappen will be looking to bounce back stronger, while Hamilton will aim to silence his critics. The stage is set for more high-octane action, and the world will be watching.
