Verstappen and Hadjar Discuss Red Bull's Tactical Tow at Belgian GP Qualifying

Max Verstappen will line up second for the Belgian Grand Prix, thanks in part to some strategic teamwork from his Red Bull stablemate, Isack Hadjar. After qualifying, both drivers reflected on the team’s decision to employ a tow strategy, which Hadjar felt was "the right thing to do."

Hadjar, set to start from the back due to multiple power unit changes, played a crucial role in helping Verstappen's bid for pole. During both Q3 laps, Hadjar slowed down through Stavelot, allowing Verstappen to catch a tow all the way to the final chicane. Their collaboration nearly ended in a close shave at Blanchimont, but ultimately, it paid off with Verstappen securing P2.

Reflecting on the strategy, Verstappen acknowledged the advantage it gave him. "It was definitely helping me otherwise I would not be standing here," he said. Without Hadjar's assistance, Verstappen speculated that he might have ended up around sixth place. "Isack today, knowing he will start at the back, did a really good job giving me a tow in the final sector," Verstappen added.

Despite not setting a lap in Q3, Hadjar was content with the decision to support Verstappen. "I don't know if I really helped him into second, probably, but he drove very well," Hadjar noted, emphasizing the team-first mentality. "I'm happy for the team, I'm happy for him."

Verstappen's final qualifying time left him over three-tenths shy of polesitter Kimi Antonelli. The same time gap spanned down the grid to Oscar Piastri's McLaren, which landed in seventh. "For sure tomorrow, I think I will be looking in my mirrors with the people around me," Verstappen remarked, while expressing satisfaction with the day's result. "The car has been quite decent the whole weekend," he added, acknowledging the gap to Antonelli's pace but pleased with Red Bull's execution.

With the front row secured, Verstappen and Red Bull are well-positioned for the race, though the challenge from rivals remains palpable.