Max Verstappen sounded visibly frustrated over the radio after crashing into the barriers during Q1 of qualifying at the Australian Grand Prix .
Shortly after the incident, the Max Verstappen vented his anger to the team, saying:
"Yep, the car just **** locked on the rear axles. Fantastic."
The comment suggested the four-time champion believed the car's rear wheels locked unexpectedly before the impact, leading to the loss of control. The crash brought out a red flag early in the session at the Albert Park Circuit, temporarily halting qualifying.
The incident is a major setback for Red Bull Racing at the opening round of the 2026 Formula One season. With the crash occurring in Q1, Verstappen is unlikely to advance further in qualifying and may be forced to start the race from near the back of the grid depending on repair work and final classification.
The frustration in Verstappen's radio message reflects the shock of the moment, particularly as teams are still adapting to the new technical regulations introduced for the 2026 season.