MELBOURNE (Reuters) - Formula One world champion Max Verstappen was forced to retire from the Australian Grand Prix on lap four on Sunday with flames leaping out of the rear of his car from a brake problem.

The Dutchman, who started on pole, was overtaken by Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz and complained he had "lost the car" before smoke began billowing from it.

He gradually lost pace and returned to pit where crew rushed to extinguish a blaze from his right rear brake.