Verstappen issues warning during Hungarian GP FP2: 'I think I have a problem'

The four-time world champion finished almost seven tenths adrift of Hamilton's benchmark, with Ferrari's SF-26 looking to be in a league of its own over a single lap. The Scuderia also impressed during the race simulations, showing strong long-run pace throughout the s

Towards the end of the session, the Dutchman opened up to race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase about the issues he was experiencing with the rear of his car.

"My rear axle is again completely locked and super stiff. I think I have a problem. I'm just having no rear grip," he reported.

Shortly before the start of FP2, the FIA stewards delivered their verdict on Verstappen following the FP1 incident involving Carlos Sainz.

Both drivers had been investigated for an alleged breach of Appendix L, Chapter IV, Article 2(e) of the International Sporting Code. After coming across the Williams driver, Verstappen was forced off the racing line before slowing significantly into Turn 12. After reviewing the incident, however, the stewards decided to take no further action.

As previously mentioned, Ferrari emerged as the team to beat throughout FP2 at the Hungarian Grand Prix. Lewis Hamilton led teammate Charles Leclerc in a commanding one-two, with the Scuderia setting the benchmark on both the medium and soft compounds. Ferrari's advantage extended beyond outright pace, as the SF-26 also looked extremely competitive over long runs, underlining the team's impressive form heading into the remainder of the weekend.

The session was interrupted by Franco Colapinto’s crash at the final corner, which brought out the red flags and ended the Alpine driver’s running. Lance Stroll also missed the entire session after Aston Martin was unable to repair his car following a suspension failure in FP1.

Once the action resumed, Hamilton produced the fastest lap of the session, finishing ahead of Leclerc, while Lando Norris took third but remained more than half a second off the benchmark.