Verstappen crashes out in first qualifying session in Australia

Max Verstappen said a “weird” braking failure caused him to crash out in the first session of Australian Grand Prix qualifying on Saturday after the four-time world champion lost grip and slammed his Red Bull into a barrier. Verstappen skidded out at turn one of the lakeside circuit but was unharmed and exited the car, having failed to record a lap time. “The car just locked down the rear axle.

Fantastic,” the Dutchman said on the team radio. “I didn’t speak to the team yet or look into any data, but to lose a car like that on the braking, I’ve never experienced that in my life,” he told Sky later. Max Verstappen is OUT of Qualifying, with no time set!

😳This is the moment where the Red Bull driver spins into the wall at Turn 1 👇#F1#AusGPpic.twitter.com/M2XKoapEMl “I hit the pedal, and suddenly the whole rear axle just completely locked up. So, definitely a bit weird.” Mercedes driver George Russell took pole position ahead of teammate Kimi Antonelli. Formula One’s new engine era has proved a steep learning curve for drivers, and Verstappen was scathing of the changes during the off-season, calling them “anti-racing”.

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Condemned to starting near the back of the grid, or in the pit lane depending on repairs, Verstappen is now pinning his hopes on rivals struggling with the long runs in race conditions on Sunday. “There are so many unknowns, of course, at the moment that we still need to get on top of,” he said.

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