During the second practice session at the Hungarian Grand Prix, Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing was observed throwing a white towel out of his car’s cockpit between Turn 3 and Turn 4. This seemingly minor action led to a formal warning from the stewards, highlighting the stringent safety protocols in Formula 1.

The Incident

Verstappen explained that the towel, typically used to wipe his face, had slipped from his lap to the side of the seat while in the garage. Unaware that it remained in the cockpit, he decided to discard it during the session to avoid any potential hazard.

Stewards' Decision

The stewards acknowledged that while the towel was not a hard object, it could have interfered with the driver’s control of the car. They issued a warning to Red Bull for releasing the car in an unsafe condition, emphasizing the importance of maintaining safety standards.

Verstappen’s Response

After the session, Verstappen stated, "Instead of it potentially flying between my feet, which is dangerous, I drove off line and got rid of it in the safest way possible. I think the stewards understand that." His actions, though well-intentioned, underscored the need for meticulous preparation before hitting the track.

Practice Struggles

Verstappen finished 14th in Friday’s practice, struggling with the car’s balance and grip. "Today was very tough — just a really low-grip feeling," he admitted. The team plans to investigate overnight to improve performance for the remainder of the weekend.

This incident serves as a reminder of the high stakes and precision required in Formula 1, where even the smallest oversight can have significant consequences.