Carlos Sainz was given a warning by Formula 1 stewards for impeding Max Verstappen during the opening practice session at the Hungarian Grand Prix. Verstappen faced no punishment after the pair were summoned for erratic driving in Turn 12.
The incident occurred in the early minutes of FP1. Verstappen encountered the slow Williams of Sainz approaching Turn 12 and gestured as he passed. On team radio, Verstappen called the moment dangerous and said Sainz had slammed on the brakes.
Sainz explained that a disconnected radio cable had prevented him from hearing warnings that Verstappen was on a fast lap. He was warming his brakes on the racing line at the time. Stewards accepted the explanation but ruled that Sainz should not have been in that position and issued a warning.
Verstappen slowed sharply on the racing line in response but was cleared of any offence. Sainz later faced a separate investigation in Turn 9 involving Alpine reserve driver Paul Aron, but stewards took no further action after reviewing the evidence.
Charles Leclerc set the fastest time in the session for Ferrari, ahead of Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton.
