Max Verstappen had to retire during the Australian Grand Prix due to problems with his car. It was the second time this season, as the same thing happened in Bahrain. The Dutch press therefore frequently discussed the moment in the race.

Algemeen Dagblad

The Algemeen Dagblad points to the reliability of the car. Where the Dutchman reached the finish line in almost all races last season, this year is different. "Verstappen has completely lost confidence in his car. That hit him hard. So much so that after three races he no longer dares to think about winning the title."

The Telegraph

According to De Tele graaf, the failure is not the biggest concern. "Additional problem for Verstappen and Red Bull is that the headache file is bulging. Reliability is one thing, but relative to Ferrari, the RB18 is also simply not fast enough for now. Verstappen suffers much more from tire degradation in Melbourne than his Monaco rival. And then the Dutchman is also not at all pleased with the balance of his car."

The Volkskrant

During the situation in Melbourne, De Volkskrant had to think back to Verstappen's first Formula 1 years. "His resignation was reminiscent of his first years in Red Bull service, when Max Verstappen had to explain almost weekly why his race weekend had ended in a flop. He was forced to do so on Sunday in Melbourne as well, after his second retirement in three races."

Faithful

Faithful points out that this is not the first time Verstappen has been sidelined this season. "The 24-year-old driver crashed out in the opening race in Bahrain a few laps before the end due to fuel supply problems. In Melbourne, his engine stopped after 38 of the 58 laps, while, as in Bahrain, he was driving in second place behind Charles Leclerc."

NRC

His retirement also has consequences for the world championship. Although his win at the GP of Saudi Arabia brought him closer to Charles Leclerc, the distance can now be called large again. "After the second retirement in three races, Max Verstappen has fallen further behind in the battle for the world title. At the Australian Grand Prix, his Red Bull quit after 39 laps."