Max Verstappen had a disappointing race day in Australia, from a second place in the race to a disheartening DNF exit from the race. Later, the Red Bull team principal revealed what can be the issue with the car.

The reigning champion was having a phenomenal run in Melbourne. He was chasing Charles Leclerc‘s Ferrari F1-75 to overtake it and bag another race win this season. During the Lap 40, Verstappen parks his car out of the track and soon fire emerged from his RB18. So, the Dutchman takes the fire extinguisher and takes care of the fire himself.

After the race, Christian Horner reveals it was not what the team expected and Max would be furious about it. He also reveals that Verstappen’s RB18 might have an issue with the fuel system. So, the power unit will go back to Japan for Honda to test the engine.

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Horner said, “Of course, it’s very frustrating to be out of the race with Max. The problem seems to be a fuel system problem located outside the tank. Parts have been quarantined and will return to Japan. We will try to understand the problem as quickly as possible.”

Max Verstappen on the DNF exit

This wasn’t the first time this season for Max Verstappen to get a DNF exit. He had to retire from the season opener in Bahrain. In both the races, the 24-year-old was at P2 and could have finished the race at P2. So, with two DNF already in the last three races, Max had a loss of 36 points. Losing this many points can hurt his run to defend his title this season.

The Dutchman isn’t thinking about defending his title of a champion instead; he is more focused on finishing races and bagging points for his team. Max Verstappen conveyed, “We are already miles behind, so I don’t even want to think about the championship fight at the moment. I think it’s more important to finish races. But we didn’t even finish the race, so it’s pretty frustrating and unacceptable.”

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Max Verstappen is back at the Milton Keynes based and will return with his RB18 for the next race in Imola. Let’s see if the 24-year-old Red Bull driver can win the Imola race like he did last season.