Leclerc criticized for 'hazardous' block on Russell.

      "It has the potential to result in extremely serious accidents."

      Charles Leclerc's fourth-place finish from pole position in Hungary is facing significant scrutiny, following a controversial late-race incident with George Russell that has drawn criticism from competing drivers, stewards, and Austrian television pundits. The Ferrari driver received a five-second penalty for what the FIA classified as "erratic driving," as he moved while braking to defend his third place against Russell on lap 61. The Mercedes driver had to ease off and managed to overtake cleanly the next lap.

      Leclerc remained defiant after the race but did not refute the maneuver: "He always complains when things get tight. So I’m not surprised." Russell, who finished third, told reporters: "He moved while braking. I had to respond. That’s not allowed, and I believe the stewards made the right call."

      Former F1 driver and circuit designer Alexander Wurz expressed harsh criticism during an interview with Austria’s ORF, stating: "That’s extremely risky. It can lead to extremely serious accidents - and that’s also against the rules." Long-time ORF commentator Ernst Hausleitner added, "You can see how Leclerc swerves - it’s unnecessary."

      Wurz called for officials to use the incident as a teaching moment: "The race director should really show all drivers this incident and say, ‘We won’t be doing it that way in the future!’"

      The incident capped off a tumultuous day for Leclerc, who started from pole but lost ground during the race. Questions were raised about Ferrari’s strategy once again, as Leclerc voiced his frustration over the radio, with speculation that his car had been intentionally modified during the pit stop to circumvent potential post-race penalties.