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Verstappen explains rare DNF

Verstappen

By Thomas Miles

Date posted: March 24, 2024

For the first time in two years and 42 Grands Prix, Max Verstappen will not reach the chequered flag, ending his hope of matching the record for the most successive F1 wins.

Despite taking the lead off the line, Verstappen’s 2024 Australian Grand Prix lasted just three laps until smoke started appearing before his right rear brake exploded on pit entry and burst into a small flame.

It means the three-time world champion’s hope of matching his own record of 10 straight Grand Prix wins is over, while it is his first retirement since the 2022 Australian Grand Prix that was won by Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc. Since then Verstappen has won 35 of the 42 races.

But a streak that started back in Japan last year is now over and Verstappen revealed the right rear brake that failed started holding him back as soon as the lights went out despite initially taking the lead.

“What we can see so far from the data is as soon as the lights went out the right rear brake was just stuck on,” Verstappen told SKY SPORTS F1.

“Of course the temperature kept on increasing so it was basically like driving with a handbrake on.

“The car was really weird to drive in some corners, just very snappy.

“On the lap to the grid the car felt spot on and I was very happy with what we were doing.

“As soon as the lights went off and I accelerated I could see the right rear brake was stuck on.”

The Australian Grand Prix has carried on without the reigning champion with Carlos Sainz well placed once again to pick up the spoils, leading with 14 laps to go.

Photo by Sam Bagnall / LAT Images

2024 Australian Grand Prix schedule (AEDT)

Friday, March 22

Practice 1: 1: L. Norris 2: M. Verstappen 3: G. Russell

Practice 2: 1: C. Leclerc 2: M. Verstappen 3: C. Sainz

Saturday, March 23

Practice 3: 1: C. Leclerc 2: M. Veratappen 3: C. Sainz

Qualifying: 1: M. Verastappen 2: C. Sainz 3: S. Perez

Sunday, March 24

Grand Prix: 15.00

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