Australian Grand Prix: Max Verstappen exits qualifying due to crash

MELBOURNE, Australia — Four-time world champion Max Verstappen commenced the new era of Formula 1 by exiting the first qualifying session of the season due to a crash.

Verstappen lost control as he applied the brakes for Turn 1 midway through the Q1 session, spinning out and skidding across the gravel before colliding with the wall.

The Red Bull driver emerged uninjured, but the incident will see him start from the back of the grid for Sunday’s Australian Grand Prix.

When asked about his condition over the radio, Verstappen responded: “The car just f—ing locked the rear axles. Fantastic”.

Verstappen has previously expressed strong criticism of F1’s new vehicles, which have introduced a complex driving style due to the focus on battery management with the sport’s updated hybrid engines.

More to follow…

Source: espn.com