Max Verstappen Suffers Gravel Excursion in FP2 at F1 Australian GP

Formula 1, Sportrik Media - Max Verstappen experienced a dramatic off-track moment during Free Practice 2 of the 2026 Australian Grand Prix after his car from Red Bull Racing ran wide at Turn 12 of the Albert Park Circuit.

The RB22 was seen bouncing across the gravel on the outside of the corner, with debris appearing to fly from the floor and underbody of the car. The incident is believed to have caused potential damage to the aerodynamic components beneath the car.

The full extent of the damage has not yet been confirmed, and it remains unclear whether Red Bull will need to replace any key components. The situation could leave the Milton Keynes-based team with significant repair work to complete during the evening in Melbourne before the next sessions.

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Verstappen had started the weekend with competitive pace after finishing third in FP1, behind the two Ferrari drivers, Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton.

However, the four-time Formula 1 world champion faced a more difficult second session. Earlier in FP2, his RB22 had to be wheeled back into the garage due to an unspecified technical issue.

Verstappen later returned to the circuit but was running sixth fastest at the time of the incident. He was behind the two Mercedes drivers, both Ferraris, and Oscar Piastri of McLaren, who topped the session in front of his home crowd.