Isack Hadjar starts Belgian GP from back after power unit change

Isack Hadjar will start from the back of the grid at the 2026 Belgian Grand Prix after Red Bull Racing installed a new power unit in his car. The French driver confirmed the move in an interview with Canal+ on Thursday, acknowledging he will begin the race at Spa-Francorchamps from the rear regardless of his qualifying position.

Why the power unit change?

Hadjar’s team opted for the new power unit to ensure reliability for the remainder of the season. The decision comes after McLaren’s Lando Norris also received a 10-place grid penalty for exceeding his power electronics allocation. McLaren explained their choice, stating Belgium’s overtaking-friendly circuit made it a strategic spot for penalties.

How does Hadjar feel about the penalty?

Despite the setback, Hadjar remains optimistic. He told reporters he expects to enjoy the race, embracing the challenge of fighting his way through the field. The young Frenchman also addressed Red Bull’s decision to abandon the controversial 'Macarena' rear wing, which caused issues for teammate Max Verstappen in recent races.

What’s next for Hadjar and Red Bull?

Hadjar emphasized that the wing change won’t drastically affect performance, though he admitted it’s visually noticeable. The team aims to reintroduce the wing safely in future races. With the Belgian GP set for a thrilling showdown, Hadjar’s back-of-the-grid start adds another layer of intrigue to the event.