Max Verstappen, the Red Bull driver, faced a disappointing early exit from the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix on Sunday due to a fiery engine failure on the fourth lap of the race. This marked his first race retirement since the event in Australia in 2022.
Following the engine failure, Verstappen engaged in a heated discussion with Red Bull team principal Christian Horner, as shown on TV coverage of the race.
Verstappen, who had clinched victories in the first two F1 races of the season in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, was on a remarkable nine-race winning streak before the Australian Grand Prix.
Explaining the cause of his retirement, Verstappen revealed, “My right rear brake essentially stuck on from the start of the race, leading to escalating temperatures in the car until it eventually caught fire. Despite the mechanics being aware of the issue, the exact cause remains unknown.”
Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton also faced an early retirement due to an engine failure on lap 17 of the race.
Starting the race from pole position, Verstappen was overtaken by Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz on lap two at turn nine. Despite attempting to keep up with Sainz, Verstappen encountered smoke and fire emanating from his car just two laps later, forcing him to retire from the race.
During the race, Verstappen had expressed concerns about “losing the car” over team radio, which was followed by the visible signs of trouble at the rear of his vehicle.
Verstappen, a three-time F1 world champion, had an exceptional season last year, winning a record-breaking 19 races on his way to securing a third consecutive title.
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