The reasons for Max Verstappen’s retirement in Australia are “very complex”
During the Australian Grand Prix, the Dutchman Max Verstappen had to abandon midway and extricate himself from a Formula One car engulfed in flames. While this incident vaguely recalls Bahrain, Red Bull has announced that they have identified the causes.
However well positioned to finish on the podium, Max Verstappen was not able to reach the checkered flag. Despite several seconds behind the unbeatable Charles Leclerc on the Albert Park circuit, the Dutchman seemed on track for a second place finish in Australia. However, everything changed on the 39th lap.
The world champion experienced a technical failure on his RB18, which was engulfed in flames, and had to quickly escape. This is not the first race that Verstappen has not finished. In the opening round in Bahrain, both Red Bulls were forced to retire just two laps from the finish. There is disappointment at Red Bull, as they lose valuable points for the championship. The team’s special advisor, Helmut Marko, revealed that the causes of this retirement have been identified.
“We found the causes of the fuel leak on Max’s car,” Marko stated. “The case is very complex. The problem is completely different from what we experienced in Bahrain,” he concluded, refusing to reveal more details about these causes.
Red Bull now needs to make up 55 points on Ferrari if it wants a chance to win the constructors’ championship. As for the drivers’ championship, Max Verstappen currently holds the sixth position.
