Pastor Maldonado crashes out in first lap of Australian Grand Prix

Lotus driver Pastor Maldonado has crashed out of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix in the first lap of the race.

The 30-year-old was caught in a collision between Kimi Raikkonen and Felipe Nasr on the first corner of the circuit as the rear of his car was clipped, and he was unable to regain control as he span into the barrier.

OUT: @Pastormaldo leaves his @Lotus_F1Team car after an early collision at Albert Park #AusGP pic.twitter.com/VKTO5J508A

— Formula 1 (@F1) March 15, 2015

The race was already reduced to 15 drivers as Williams's Valtteri Bottas was ruled out with a back problem, while McClaren's Kevin Magnussen and Red Bull's Daniil Kvyat pulled out just before the race due to faults with their respective cars.

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton started on pole in the race at Melbourne.