Max Verstappen dissected his performance in Belgium, attributing his third-place finish to strategy missteps. Despite challenges, the Red Bull driver remains optimistic about future races.
Max Verstappen's third podium of the season, achieved at the Belgian Grand Prix, was a blend of grit and a touch of misfortune. After the race, he candidly spoke about how things unfolded on the track. "I gave it everything I had," Verstappen said, referring to his ultimate third-place finish.
Arriving at Spa-Francorchamps with a familiar rear wing design, Verstappen had to revert to an older specification after an upgraded component caused him trouble in Austria and Great Britain. However, this didn’t impede him from securing a front-row start, aided by a timely tow from his teammate during the final qualifying session.
Starting alongside polesitter Kimi Antonelli, Verstappen briefly took the lead but ultimately settled into second. His strategic call to pit early for fresh tires nearly paid off, but a Virtual Safety Car (VSC) to clear gravel interrupted his momentum, leaving him somewhat stranded between the leading pack and Lewis Hamilton in fourth.
Reflecting on the race, Verstappen stated, "I think so," when asked if he was content with the result. He elaborated, "The first stint wasn't too bad, but the second was more challenging. Kimi and I were both unlucky with the VSC." Despite the hiccup, Verstappen maintained that being on the podium was a commendable outcome.
Meanwhile, Isack Hadjar, Verstappen's Red Bull teammate, made a noteworthy climb from P21 to P6. His charge through the field, following a grid penalty, was marked by clean overtakes and tactical driving, earning him eight valuable championship points. "Honestly, that was the best result we could’ve achieved today," Hadjar commented, acknowledging the missed opportunity for a podium due to the engine penalty.
The weekend showcased Red Bull's resilience and adaptability, even when luck wasn't entirely on their side. Verstappen remains hopeful for smoother weekends ahead, while Hadjar's performance underscores the team's depth and potential.