MONTE CARLO, Principality of Monaco (AFP) — Red Bull’s Dutch driver Max Verstappen was forced to retire on the very first lap of the Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix on Sunday after an issue right from the front row of the grid.

The four-time world champion, who had hoped to make a strong start to seize the lead — which is crucial in Monaco where overtaking is virtually impossible —- was stuck in place when the flag went up, a victim of a technical issue on his car.

“Mad Max” expressed his disbelief over the team radio before setting off at reduced speed on the Monaco circuit and then returning to the pits at the end of the first lap.