The 2025 Hungarian Grand Prix opened on an unexpected note that captured the attention of Formula 1 fans and experts. During the second free practice session (FP2), four-time world champion and Red Bull star Max Verstappen produced a bizarre moment that sparked an investigation by the FIA stewards. The image of Verstappen throwing a towel from his car at Turn 3 at the Hungaroring became the talk of the day, sparking debate and speculation on social media and in the paddocks. This article explores the details of this curious incident, the reasons behind Verstappen’s action, and the stewards’ ruling, all while unraveling why this event could have implications beyond what meets the eye.

On Friday, August 1, as teams were preparing for the race weekend, FP2 in Hungary witnessed an event few could have anticipated. Verstappen, known for his aggressive driving style and relentless approach, found himself in an unusual situation. A towel had reportedly slipped from his lap to the side of his seat while he was in the garage, something the Red Bull team failed to notice before the driver took to the track. Upon entering the circuit, Verstappen decided to dispose of the object by throwing it from his cockpit, a maneuver initially described by the stewards as “dangerous and unsafe.” The action, captured on camera and widely replicated on social media, led to an immediate investigation by the FIA, which summoned the driver and a Red Bull representative to clarify what happened.

The stewards’ official statement explained the situation: “Shortly after car number 1 left the garage, it was observed that the driver had thrown a towel outside the cockpit.” This statement, released after video review and explanations from the team and driver, noted that the towel posed a potential risk if it remained inside the car. “The stewards determined that the towel could have lodged in the footwell and interfered with the driver’s ability to fully control the car, resulting in the car being released in an unsafe condition,” they added. However, the ruling was surprisingly lenient: instead of a severe penalty, Red Bull received a warning, and Verstappen avoided any penalties that could affect his participation in Sunday’s race.

The stewards’ decision was not without controversy. Some fans and analysts argued that Verstappen should have reported the presence of the object over the radio or driven more cautiously to the pits to dispose of the towel. A comment on the MARCA Mexico website noted: “It would have been better to drive cautiously to the pits to dispose of the towel. Even if he hadn’t opted for this option, what was stopping him from warning over the radio about the object he had just thrown?” This criticism reflects the perception that, while the maneuver was understandable, a driver with Verstappen’s experience could have handled the situation more prudently.

For his part, Verstappen explained his decision with characteristic clarity. “The towel had slipped from my lap to the side of the seat, and the team was unaware that it remained in the cockpit,” the Dutchman stated, according to a report by Latinus. He added that he felt the object posed a greater danger if it remained inside the car, especially as it could have interfered with the pedals or his ability to maneuver. The FIA backed up this logic, stressing that the towel, while not a hard object, could have caused significant problems. “The Stewards consider this case to be different from that of a hard (and therefore potentially dangerous) object left in the cockpit and to be less serious,” they concluded in their statement.

This incident stood out not only for its rarity, but also for the context in which it occurred. Verstappen is going through a difficult run in the 2025 season, with three consecutive races without a podium finish, something that hadn’t happened since 2019. The pressure on the driver and Red Bull is evident, especially in a championship where McLaren, led by Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, has dominated the opening sessions in Hungary. The image of Verstappen throwing in the towel was interpreted by some as a symbol of his frustration, a gesture that, although unintentional, resonated on social media. A post on X by @DiariodelaF1 captured the attention of fans: “Verstappen found something strange (it looked like a towel) inside the cockpit… and he threw it away instantly! The stewards will investigate the incident once the session is over.” This type of content, which combines the unusual with intrigue, is precisely what tends to go viral on platforms like Facebook.

The resolution of the case also sheds light on how the FIA handles incidents of this type. Unlike harsher penalties imposed in the past, such as the 10-second penalty imposed on Verstappen for a collision with Lando Norris at the 2024 Austria International Circuit, this time the stewards opted for a warning to the team rather than directly punishing the driver. This decision could be interpreted as an acknowledgment that the incident, while unusual, did not pose a significant danger to other competitors. However, it also raises questions about the consistency of the FIA’s decisions, a recurring theme in discussions among fans.

The towel incident, though minor in the grand scheme of things, has symbolic value at a time when Verstappen and Red Bull are facing challenges. The 2025 season has seen a resurgence for teams like McLaren, and the pressure on the four-time champion to maintain its dominance is immense. This episode, which combines human error with a knee-jerk reaction, humanizes a driver who often seems unbeatable. At the same time, the rapid spread of the footage on social media demonstrates how a seemingly trivial moment can capture global attention in the hyperconnected world of Formula 1.

In conclusion, the towel incident in FP2 of the 2025 Hungarian Grand Prix is a reminder that even the best drivers can find themselves in unexpected situations. Verstappen’s decision to throw the object, although questionable, was justified by the stewards as a measure to avoid further risk. The warning to Red Bull, rather than an outright penalty, allowed the Dutchman to continue without further consequences, but the episode left its mark on the race weekend. As fans await Sunday’s race, this curious incident will continue to be a talking point, fueling debates and memes on platforms like Facebook. In a sport where every detail counts, even a towel can become the focus of the narrative.