Max Verstappen’s impressive winning streak of nine consecutive victories came to an abrupt end during the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on Sunday. The race took a dramatic turn when Verstappen’s car experienced a brake fire, forcing him to retire from the race prematurely.
Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz capitalized on Verstappen’s misfortune and claimed victory as the checkered flag waved. Verstappen’s race came to an end in the fourth lap due to smoke emanating from the right rear tire caused by a brake duct explosion. Meanwhile, Sainz, who had missed the previous Saudi Arabian Grand Prix due to appendicitis, triumphantly returned to the winner’s circle.
He was followed closely by his Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc in second place, with McLaren’s Lando Norris securing third. The race also saw a final-lap crash involving Mercedes driver George Russell, though he fortunately escaped uninjured. Verstappen’s dominance had characterized the end of the 2023 season and the start of the 2024 campaign, with victories in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.
However, his hopes for continued success were dashed by the unexpected brake fire. Additionally, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton also encountered race-ending issues due to a power unit problem.
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