Verstappen Crashes in Aussie GP Qualifying After Brake Issue

Four-time Formula One world champion Max Verstappen crashed out during the first session of qualifying at the Australian Grand Prix on Saturday after a sudden braking issue caused him to lose control of his car.

The Red Bull Racing driver skidded off the track at Turn 1 of the Melbourne circuit and slammed into the barrier. Verstappen was not injured and managed to exit the car safely, but he failed to record a lap time in the session.

Speaking over the team radio immediately after the crash, the Dutch driver said the rear axle of his car suddenly locked when he applied the brakes.

Later, Verstappen told Sky Sports that the problem felt unusual and something he had never experienced before.

“I didn’t speak to the team yet or look at the data, but to lose the car like that under braking is something I’ve never experienced,” Verstappen said. “I hit the pedal and suddenly the whole rear axle completely locked up. It was definitely weird.”

Because of the crash, Verstappen is expected to start near the back of the grid or possibly from the pit lane depending on how quickly his team can repair the car.

Meanwhile, George Russell secured pole position for Mercedes, finishing ahead of teammate Kimi Antonelli in qualifying.

The qualifying session highlighted the challenges drivers are facing in the new era of Formula One engines. Verstappen had already criticized the new engine regulations during the off-season, calling them “anti-racing.”

With a difficult starting position ahead of Sunday’s race, Verstappen said he hopes race conditions and long runs could create opportunities.

“There are still many unknowns at the moment,” he said. “We’ll see tomorrow what we can do.”

In Verstappen’s absence during the session, Isack Hadjar qualified in third place. The 21-year-old French driver said he felt no extra pressure despite being Verstappen’s teammate at Red Bull.

However, Hadjar admitted that the team currently does not have the pace to challenge for victory in Melbourne.

His fastest lap was almost eight-tenths of a second slower than Russell’s pole time.

“I might be P3, but if Max had completed the whole session, I don’t know if I would be here,” Hadjar said. “If we keep our position after Turn 1, we can have a good race, but we simply don’t have the pace to win.”