Red Bull superstar Max Verstappen’s bid for a record-equalling 10th straight Formula One win has ended in dramatic fashion after he suffered a car fire early in the Australian Grand Prix.

After cantering to wins in the opening two races of the season, Verstappen was a red hot favourite to go back-to-back after winning at Albert Park for the first time last year.

The three-time defending world champion started on pole but Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz overtook him on the second lap of Sunday’s race.

The 26-year-old then began complaining on team radio about “losing the car”.

Soon afterwards, smoke appeared at the rear of Verstappen’s car and he was forced into the pits, with no hope of a return.

It continues a mixed relationship with Albert Park for Verstappen, who was forced to retire in the 2022 edition.

Verstappen had won nine straight races, dating back to the Japanese Grand Prix last September.

Victory at Albert Park would have taken him level with his own record, set with his 10 straight wins from Miami to Monza last year.

Verstappen won 19 races last season – the most in F1 history – on his way to a third straight title to completely dominate the rest of the field.