Isack Hadjar's Tow Helps Max Verstappen Secure Front-Row Start at Belgian GP

Isack Hadjar's Tow Helps Max Verstappen Secure Front-Row Start at Belgian GP

Isack Hadjar played a crucial role in Max Verstappen's qualifying performance at the Belgian Grand Prix, providing a significant tow to help the Dutch driver secure a front-row start.

What happened?

Hadjar, who started from the back of the grid due to a penalty for an engine change, aimed to give Verstappen the biggest slipstream possible on the long flat-out section to the final chicane. Verstappen was beaten to pole position by Mercedes' Andrea Kimi Antonelli but managed to secure a place on the front row of the grid at Spa-Francorchamps.

Why it matters for Isack Hadjar

Verstappen revealed that without Hadjar's assistance, he would have ended up as low as sixth in qualifying. The four-time world champion praised Hadjar's efforts, saying, "It was definitely helping me, otherwise I would not be standing here. Otherwise I think I would be like P6, or something."

What comes next?

Despite the great qualifying result, Verstappen is not expecting to fight for victory in Belgium. "Difficult in the start, I guess, plus, honestly, I just want to do my own race," he said. "I mean, the gap even in qualifying with a massive tow is still over three tenths. So I don't really expect to race them tomorrow."

Hadjar, who will start Sunday's race from 21st on the grid, admitted that it was "very difficult" to pull off the tow. "What's difficult is to guess what the engine is going to give you, because once you stop out of Turn 14, the power and the engine is a bit confused because you've stopped for no reason and the software is confused," he explained.

Verstappen got incredibly close to the back of Hadjar's Red Bull coming out of Blanchimont, but the Dutchman insisted his team-mate judged it perfectly. "I was flat out, I would have just pushed him," he joked. "He did amazing. I initially thought, 'oh my god, it's too close,' but then actually, it worked out well to the last corner. It was close, but I trust him."

The Red Bull team had discussed the tactic prior to qualifying, with Verstappen revealing that they had agreed on the plan. "I mean, we talked about it, and I think it was quite easily agreed. So we knew what to do," he said.

The qualifying result has set the stage for an exciting Belgian Grand Prix, with Verstappen looking to make the most of his front-row start. Despite the challenges ahead, he remains confident in his team's abilities. "You always, of course, try to make it better from run one to run two and I think Isack did that really well," he said.

And with Hadjar's efforts playing a significant role in his qualifying performance, Verstappen is grateful for the French driver's assistance. "So thank you to him for that," he said.

The Belgian Grand Prix is set to take place on Sunday, with Verstappen looking to make a strong start to the race. Despite the challenges ahead, he remains confident in his team's abilities and is looking to make the most of his front-row start.

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