The Red Bull driver's race began positively as he made a good getaway on the grid from P3 and challenged Valtteri Bottas of Mercedes, who lost the lead at the start to his team mate. 

 

 

 

 

 

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Verstappen was squeezed by Perez on the outside and by Bottas on the inside as the field went into turn four. Sensing risk, the Red Bull driver retreated from the battle, but Ferrari's Charles Leclerc attempted to pounce on the inside of the corner. As Bottas squeezed through contact between Perez and Leclerc was the result which the Dutchman attempted to prevent the crash instead went off track in the gravel and lost control. He struck the barriers and his race was over in an instant. 

Post race, Verstappen comments, "I had a good start but got boxed in so was trying to stay out of trouble but everyone around me was being so aggressive and risking things like it was the last

 

 

 

 

 

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The Dutchman adds, "Especially Charles going up the inside at Turn 4 and braking so late when the track is so dusty. I understand he wanted to pass a car but it was just too optimistic. I respect Charles a lot and he is a great driver but I think that was a bit too much. Checo couldn’t see what was happening on the inside, Charles hit him and then he was spinning backwards across the track. I tried to go around the outside to avoid any damage to my car but ended up in the gravel and then the barrier. It’s frustrating to retire so soon in a race where we had a racy car and a good chance of doing well.”

I tried to stay out of trouble, but trouble came to me. Such a shame #SakhirGP 🇧🇭 pic.twitter.com/NASh72e1WG

— Max Verstappen (@Max33Verstappen) December 6, 2020