Autobayng News Team
Max Verstappen says team mate Isack Hadjar is to thank for him taking second on the grid for the Belgian Grand Prix.
The Red Bull driver will split the two Mercedes at the front of the grid for tomorrow’s race at Spa-Francorchamps having missed out on pole position by three tenths of the second to championship leader Andrea Kimi Antontelli.
Hadjar, who was doomed to start tomorrow’s race from the back of the grid due to power unit-related grid penalties, used both of his runs in Q3 to strategically offer Verstappen a slipstream out of Curve Paul Frere, up through Blanchimont and into the final chicane, giving his team mate a top speed boost as a result.
“It was definitely helping me, otherwise I would not be standing here,” Verstappen said after the session. “Otherwise you’d be like P6 or something.
“I think Isack did a really good job giving me a tow in the final sector and that’s why we’re standing right here.”
Verstappen has been frustrated with the lack of performance and reliability from his Red Bull in recent rounds, having spun out of the previous race at Silverstone due to a rear wing fault.
However, starting from the front row on Sunday in Spa, Verstappen seems a little happier with the performance of his RB22 in Belgium.
“For sure tomorrow, I think I will be looking in my mirrors for the people around me,” he admitted. “But at least today, I think we had a really good result.
“I think the car, honestly has been quite decent, the whole weekend. Obviously not on the level as Kimi was doing, but we’re happy, of course, to be on the front row with how we executed as a team.
“It’s always tough around here with the tyres and the long run, but I will just do my best and see if we can hang in there or not.”
Advert | Become a RaceFans supporter and
>> Find out more and sign upGo ad-free for just £1 per month
Miss nothing from RaceFans
Get a daily email with all our latest stories – and nothing else. No marketing, no ads. Sign up here:
2026 Belgian Grand Prix
Published by
Will Wood
Will has been a RaceFans contributor since 2012 during which time he has covered F1 test sessions, launch events and interviewed drivers. He mainly contributes to Formula One race weekend and pre-season test coverage, and also has the enviable job of reviewing the official Formula One game and other motor sport titles to the test. View all posts by Will Wood
