Max Verstappen Leverages Hadjar’s Tow to Secure Front‑Row Start

Max Verstappen clinched a front‑row start for the Belgian Grand Prix on 20 Jul 2026, thanks to a decisive tow from Red Bull teammate Isack Hadjar during Q3 qualifying.

How did the tow work?

In the final sector, Red Bull positioned Hadjar ahead of Verstappen through the Blanchimont sweep and into the last chicane. The first attempt saw Hadjar ease off at Turn 15, limiting the slipstream. On the second run, Hadjar stayed closer, allowing Verstappen to ride a longer tow and shave roughly 0.3 seconds off his lap. This extra speed pushed Verstappen from a potential P6 to the front row, a gain he highlighted on team radio.

Why was Hadjar’s role critical?

Hadjar started the race from the back after taking extra power‑unit components-engine, turbo, and exhaust-beyond his allocation. Red Bull kept him in Q3 solely to provide the tow, a strategic move that underscored the team’s depth. Verstappen noted the car was “decent” but a bit slow on the straight, making the aerodynamic boost from Hadjar’s slipstream essential for the final qualifying push.

What did Verstappen say after qualifying?

The four‑time champion praised the effort, saying, “The car was good and then of course Isack in Q3 helped me a lot with the tow in the final sector, that’s why I’m sitting here, otherwise it could have easily been P6.” He added that the gaps behind were tight, and the team had done everything possible. In the post‑qualifying press conference, Verstappen joked he would have “just pushed” Hadjar along if needed, highlighting the trust between the drivers.

What does this mean for the race?

Starting on the front row gives Verstappen a clear path into Spa‑Francorchamps’ opening straight, reducing the risk of early traffic. Hadjar’s sacrifice-starting from the back despite a strong qualifying pace-illustrates Red Bull’s willingness to prioritize the lead driver’s race prospects. If the car’s straight‑line speed remains a concern, Verstappen will likely rely on clean air and strategic pit stops to maintain his advantage.

How might the team adjust after qualifying?

Verstappen admitted the car felt “flat” in certain sections, suggesting limited room for further lap‑time extraction. Engineers will likely focus on fine‑tuning aerodynamic balance and energy deployment for the race. Hadjar’s feedback on engine behavior during the tow attempts will also feed into the team’s broader development plan, ensuring both drivers have competitive packages for the remainder of the season.