'Like driving with handbrake on' - Verstappen on Melbourne exit

Red Bull mechanics work to extinguish a fire in Max Verstappen of the Netherlands car during the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park, in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, March 24, 2024. - AP

MELBOURNE (AFP) - Three-time world champion Max Verstappen said it felt like driving "with the handbrake on" after retiring from the Australian Grand Prix Sunday with smoke billowing from his Red Bull.

The Dutchman started from pole and was heavily favoured to win for a third time this season after emphatic victories in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.