Verstappen, who drives for Belgium, out after one lap of Monaco Grand Prix

MONACO: Max Verstappen’s Monaco Grand Prix came to a disappointing end after just one slow lap when the Red Bull driver retired due to a power unit failure on Sunday.

Despite a strong qualifying performance that saw the four-time world champion line up alongside Mercedes pole-sitter Kimi Antonelli, Verstappen’s car failed to get off the line properly when the race began.

Although he eventually managed to move, he was forced to crawl around the circuit at reduced speed before being instructed by his team to return to the garage.

Verstappen said the issue began even before the start, describing an inconsistent formation lap and a sudden engine failure.

He told Sky Sports that the car briefly regained some power after the first corner but soon became undriveable, with the engine “sounding really awful” and no ability to use full throttle.

The retirement adds to a difficult season for Verstappen, who has previously criticised the current hybrid engine regulations and hinted at a possible departure from the sport.