Australian Grand Prix 2024: Defending Champion Max Verstappen Forced Out Of Race Due To His Car's Mechanical Issue

Red Bull Racing team's driver Max Verstappen made a shock exit from the Australian Grand Prix 2024 after his car suffered a rear-brake issue during the main race at Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne on Sunday, March 24.

Verstappen secured the pole position ahead of Carlos Sainz and Sergio Perez in the qualifying round of the third race of the ongoing F1 season. The defending champion was indeed favourite to win the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne. However, Max Verstappen suffered a huge setback during the race which forced him to leave the grid.

The three-time World Champion lost the lead in the race after smoke started to emit from the rear of his Red Bull car. Verstappen was immediately took off the racing line to let the competition continue. Red Bull team mechanics sprayed extinguisher on the part where fire emitting.

Because of the smoke coming out of the rear, Max Verstappen had to slow down his car in order to avoid potential engine failure that could jeopardize his race. After taking his car to the RB pits, Verstappen didn't participate in the race further as he has been sidelined due to mechanical issues with the car.

Max Verstappen explains the reason behind his retirement from Australian GP

The Dutch driver and the reigning World Champion explained that his RB19 car had a right-brake issue, leading to his withdrawal amid the race at Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne.

Verstappen slowly made his way to the pits to make his first retirement since 2022. The 26-year-old admitted that it was not ideal for him to retire from the race after two years. He added that it's important to understand why did happen.

"Yeah, it’s not ideal. Of course, you always want to finish the races but it’s a mechanical sport." Verstappen said to F1.

"These things unfortunately happen, but I think it’s the most important that we understand why it happened.” he added.

Max Verstappen will return to racing at the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka Circuit, with qualifying round on April 6 followed by main race on April 7.