Max Verstappen was heavy favourite to take a record-equalling 10th consecutive F1 race victory but was thwarted by a brake fire just a few laps into the Melbourne race
Max Verstappen’s Australian Grand Prix was ended after just a few laps as a brake fire ended the defending champion’s hopes of a 10th consecutive victory.
In Melbourne, Verstappen began the race on pole position on Sunday. However, things took a turn for the worse for the Red Bull driver soon after, as he aimed to equal the record he had set the previous year.
The Dutch driver maintained his position at the front of the race during the opening lap, but faced increasing pressure once the second lap started. The use of DRS enabled Carlos Sainz to stay close behind, giving him the opportunity to capitalize on the defending champion’s error when it occurred.
He went off line in Turn Eight and, by the next corner, the Ferrari had flown by him. But it turned out that was the least of his issues as smoke was soon visible coming out the back of his Red Bull.
It appeared to be an engine problem at first but it soon became clear that the smoke was actually coming from his rear-right tyre. TV cameras showed that brake disc had become too hot and caught fire, which was melting the tyre and that corner of the car.
Verstappen swore over the radio as he reported a problem to his team. And it wasn’t long before he was back in the pit lane and Red Bull were forced to retire the car.
So Verstappen’s rivals were given the chance to win a race for the first time this season. Sainz was well placed, showing strong pace despite still recovering from surgery to remove his appendix just two weeks ago.
And there was also a significant level of British optimism as Lando Norris trailed behind him in second place.
Yet, by lap 13, he was already over six seconds behind the leading Ferrari, as Sainz demonstrated impressive speed and positioned himself well for a potential victory.”
Before this weekend, the most recent winner of an F1 race other than Verstappen was a Spaniard. He seized the opportunity when the dominant champions Red Bull faced difficulties finding pace during the Singapore race last year.
Red Bull’s chances of winning in Melbourne were not completely gone even after Verstappen’s retirement. Sergio Perez moved up to third place and had the fastest car on the track to catch up to the leading Ferrari.