Max Verstappen flames OUT of the Australian Grand Prix as his car catches fire just five laps into the race – and Lewis Hamilton also retires

Reigning world champion Max Verstappen was forced to withdraw from the Australian Grand Prix after the right rear of his car caught fire early in the race.

The Dutchman complained that the car felt “loose” when Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz overtook him two laps of the race.

On lap five an increasing amount of smoke could be seen coming out of the back of his Red Bull as he lost pace and began to fall back into the field.

He was able to get the car to the pits, but at that point flames were emerging from the right rear wheel brake, forcing the team’s mechanics to use fire extinguishers.

Verstappen exited the car once the race was over and was seen shortly after changing into his racing gear.

“I just lost the car, really strange,” he said at the first sign of a problem when he was overtaken by Sainz.

He then told the team: ‘I’ve got smoke, blue smoke, fire, fire!’ on lap five as he slowly made his way to the pit lane.

Lewis Hamilton was also forced to retire on lap 17.

MORE TO COME…