Max Verstappen Survives Major Scare as Red Bull Racing Car Suffers Damage During Australian Grand Prix Practice
Reigning Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen endured a tense moment during the second free practice session ahead of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix after running wide and damaging his car at the demanding Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne.
The dramatic moment occurred during FP2 as the Dutch driver pushed his Red Bull Racing machine to the limit while navigating the high-speed Turn 12. As Verstappen exited the corner, he lost grip and ran off the racing line, sending the RB22 into the gravel trap on the outside of the circuit.
The car bounced aggressively over the rough stones, and pieces of debris were seen flying from the underside of the vehicle. The impact raised immediate concerns that the floor and other aerodynamic components may have been damaged. Modern Formula 1 cars depend heavily on their intricate underfloor aerodynamics, meaning even minor damage in this area can significantly affect performance.
Despite the alarming moment, Verstappen managed to regain control and return to the circuit. However, the excursion left visible signs of wear underneath the car, prompting concerns within the Red Bull garage about the extent of the damage.
Engineers and mechanics now face the task of conducting a thorough inspection of the RB22 to determine how serious the issue may be. If the floor or underbody components have been compromised, the team could face a lengthy repair process. Such work often requires careful attention, and Red Bull’s crew may have a busy evening ahead in the Melbourne paddock preparing the car for the rest of the race weekend.
The gravel incident was not the only challenge Verstappen faced during the session. Earlier in FP2, the car had already experienced a technical problem that forced the team to bring it back into the pits. At one point, mechanics were seen pushing the car down the pit lane as they investigated the fault. The exact cause of the issue was not immediately disclosed, but the team worked quickly to resolve it.
Fortunately for Verstappen, the problem proved manageable and he was able to return to the track after a brief delay. Once back in action, he continued running laps in order to gather valuable data for the team as they prepared for qualifying and the race.
During the opening practice session earlier in the day, Verstappen had shown promising pace. He finished third fastest in FP1, placing him behind the two Ferrari drivers, Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, who led the timesheets during that session.
FP2, however, proved more challenging. Even after returning to the circuit, Verstappen was unable to match the leading pace and ultimately ended the session with the sixth-fastest lap time.
Several teams appeared competitive in the session, suggesting that the early stages of the 2026 championship could be closely contested. Both drivers from Mercedes set faster laps than Verstappen, while the Ferraris also remained ahead in the order.
The standout performance of the session came from home favourite Oscar Piastri, who thrilled local fans by setting the fastest time for McLaren. Racing in front of his home crowd, the Australian driver topped the timesheets and provided an encouraging start to the weekend for the British team.
For Verstappen and Red Bull, attention will now shift to assessing the damage caused by the off-track moment and ensuring the car is fully prepared for the remainder of the event. The team has dominated much of Formula 1’s recent seasons, but practice sessions often reveal areas that still require adjustment as teams fine-tune their setups.
Albert Park is known for its fast corners and limited margin for error, which means drivers frequently push the boundaries during practice in search of the perfect lap. Off-track moments are therefore not uncommon, particularly when drivers are exploring the limits of grip.
Although the incident looked dramatic, Verstappen’s ability to continue the session will offer some reassurance to the team. Still, Red Bull engineers will carefully check every component overnight to ensure the RB22 is in optimal condition before the next session.
With several teams showing impressive speed and the new season only just beginning, the opening practice sessions in Melbourne have already hinted at an exciting and competitive championship battle ahead. Fans will now be eager to see whether Verstappen and Red Bull can recover from the setback and challenge their rivals as the weekend unfolds. 🚨🏁
