Verstappen meltdown in Hungarian GP Friday: massive struggles and bizarre incident

18:07, 01 Aug

Updated: 20:06, 01 Aug

byPietro Vurro

Max Verstappen's Friday in Budapest took an unexpected turn—literally and figuratively—as the Red Bull ace ended FP2 both under investigation and visibly frustrated with his RB21’s behavior on track.

During the second half of Free Practice 2, Verstappen was spotted throwing a small towel out of his cockpit as he exited Turn 3. Marshals later recovered the item, and the moment was immediately flagged by the FIA.

Max has now been summoned to the stewards post-session to explain the unusual incident.

"Verstappen under investigation after discarding towel at Turn 3. Drivers are required to keep all objects within the cockpit during live sessions." communicated FIA.

It has now been revealed that the object in question was indeed a towel used to dry off the sweat after a session has come to an end.

“Driving on ice” – Verstappen's struggles revealed

Halfway through FP2, Verstappen was asked by his race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase: “What’s the main balance limitation?”

Verstappen then disclosed the conditions under which he was having to man his RB21. “It’s front and rear, mate. It’s just like driving on ice.”

Later on in the decision where he ultimately ended up in P14, outpaced by teammate Yuki Tsunoda, the Dutchman added: "I don't know what's going on, it's just undriveable. I can't get any balance."

Max Verstappen drives the RB21 at the Hungaroring

Red Bull is currently testing a new front wing specification this weekend, which GPblog understands is what the Austrians are currently working on to integrate onto the RB21.