Australian Grand Prix: Max Verstappen crashes out of qualifyingRed Bull Racing’s Dutch driver Max Verstappen crashes during the qualifying session of the Formula One Australian Grand Prix at the Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne on March 7, 2026. Paul Crock / AFP via Getty ImagesNate SaundersMar 7, 2026, 12:25 AM ETClose
MELBOURNE, Australia — Four-time world champion Max Verstappen started Formula 1’s new era by crashing out of the first qualifying session of the year.
Verstappen spun as he hit the brakes for Turn 1 midway through the Q1 session, spinning out and bouncing across the gravel and into the wall.
The Red Bull driver was unhurt, but the crash means he will start at the rear end of the grid for Sunday’s Australian Grand Prix.
After being asked if he was OK on the radio, Verstappen reported: “The car just f—ing locked the rear axles. Fantastic”.
Verstappen has already been a vocal critic of F1’s new cars, which have created a complicated new driving style due to the emphasis on battery management with the sport’s new hybrid engines.
More to follow…
