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Max Verstappen just repeated a legendary driving performance at the Australian Grand Prix from years ago.
Max Verstappen had a torrid qualifying session yesterday, crashing during Q3. This meant that the four-time world champion had to start at the back of the grid.
Verstappen’s crash was blamed on Red Bull’s engine, as the Dutchman failed to keep things under control in Australia.
Some standout performers in Melbourne 👀 Who was you Driver of the Day at the Australian GP?
Red Bull pinned a lot of their hopes on Isack Hadjar today. But an engine failure led to a DNF on his part, putting a lot of pressure on Verstappen.
And in classic Verstappen fashion, he managed to make the most of a bad situation. In doing so, Verstappen channelled a performance many consider one of his best drives ever.
READ MORE: Martin Brundle would never keep his hands on the wheel like Max Verstappen in Australian GP crash
Max Verstappen tops Spa 2022 drive in first 15 laps, completes identical comeback
Max Verstappen started the 2026 Australian Grand Prix in 20th place. Within just 15 laps, he found himself within the points again, taking fifth place.
Eventually, Verstappen had to settle for sixth place. In recovering 14 positions today, Verstappen has done what he did in his legendary 2022 Belgian Grand Prix performance.
Fans will remember that Verstappen started 14th due to penalties. Within the first 15 laps, the Red Bull Racing ace recovered 13 positions before his first pitstop.
Verstappen recovered 14 positions by the end of the race to win the Belgian Grand Prix. While he wasn’t able to win today, settling for sixth isn’t bad at all, given where he started the race.
Verstappen’s performance today is a reminder to all F1 fans that no matter the odds, the Dutch driver cannot be counted out.
What can F1 do to regain Max Verstappen’s approval?
Max Verstappen jokes about F1 regulation changes despite ‘super’ race
Speaking after his sensational drive, Max Verstappen had a reporter ask him how things could get better for him over the course of the season.
Max Verstappen: “Super. It was great. A lot of fun. Top race”
Interviewer: “What would you suggest to make it even better?”
Verstappen: “Oh, for that, you have to change a lot, engine, battery. But yeah, that‘s not possible now”
Max has been critical of F1’s new regulations prior to the start of the season, likening the changes to Formula E.
However, he showed today why Verstappen is still a threat to George Russell in the 2026 world championship race.
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