WATCH: Massive drama as Verstappen retires just laps into the Australian Grand Prix

Max Verstappen saw his winning streak come to a dramatic end at the Australian Grand Prix after being forced to retire from the running in the opening laps of the race.

The Dutchman had made a solid start from pole position and initially maintained the lead before being overtaken by Carlos Sainz on Lap 2.

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After reporting that he had lost the car, there was worse to come for Verstappen when smoke began billowing from the rear of his Red Bull soon afterwards.

The world champion then slowly made his way back to the pits to retire the RB20, marking a rare reliability issue for the Milton Keynes-based squad.

Click on the video player above to watch the drama unfold for Verstappen.