Verstappen focuses on the rivals behind at Spa: 'I expect it to be a battle'

The four-time world champion is set to share the front row of the grid with Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli today at Spa-Francorchamps.

This comes after Isack Hadjar gave his teammate a tow in qualifying. As the Frenchman already knew he would start from the back of the grid due to a power unit-related grid penalty, he provided Verstappen with a slipstream down the back straight.

Verstappen was complimentary of Hadjar, saying that without his teammate's help, he would have started around sixth instead of on the front row. "It was close, but 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 trusted him."

Looking ahead to the race at Spa-Francorchamps, the Red Bull Racing driver is focusing more on the cars behind than the one ahead. Speaking at the drivers' parade, he explained: "Yeah, I mean, let's see. I don't really know how competitive, of course, also, the cars are behind me, but I do expect it to be a battle, you know, to keep them behind. But I'm going to do my best."

As it is well known, the Spa circuit also has a special place in Verstappen's heart. He added: "Yes, it's my favourite place, my favourite track. So for me, every lap that I do here is always very nice. So I'm just looking forward to a good race."

Over the 2026 season, Verstappen has been heavily critical of the current Formula 1 cars. Asked about the matter after qualifying, he said: "Honestly, I don't want to sit here and complain again because probably someone will shoot me outside the door.

Finally, the Dutchman admitted that Spa now feels different, but stressed that he has mentally readjusted to the new reality: "It's not Pouhon, it's the whole track, it's a different Spa, but yeah, I mentally readjust to it."