Verstappen crashes out in first qualifying session

MELBOURNE, March 7 : Four-times Formula One world champion Max Verstappen crashed out of the first session of Australian Grand Prix qualifying after losing grip and thudding his Red Ball car into a barrier at Albert Park on Saturday.

Verstappen skidded out at turn one of the lakeside circuit but was unharmed and exited the car, having not recorded a single lap time.

"The car just ... locked down the rear axles. Fantastic," he said on the team radio.