Verstappen's radio message reveals Red Bull delight after P2 at Belgian GP Qualifying
Photo: Race Pictures
Updated: 18:20, 18 Jul
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Henry Eccles is a freelance Formula 1 journalist for GPblog, covering breaking news, live race blogs, and features across the F1 calendar. Since joining in 2026, he has produced high-volume reporting on the sport’s biggest stories, alongside feature pieces including analysis and historical content.
Max Verstappen was immediately delighted with Red Bull after teammate Isack Hadjar provided the Dutchman with a handy tow on his way to securing the second spot on the front row for the Belgian GP.
Initially, it looked like Verstappen had got too close to Hadjar on his final run down to the Bus Stop chicane at Spa-Francorchamps, but the four-time world champion was pleased with Red Bull's execution of the move.
As a result, Hadjar finished Qualifying in P10, with the Frenchman's start at the back of the grid on Sunday having already been confirmed. The 21-year-old will take new power unit elements for the Belgian GP, beyond the allowed allocation.
"Well done, that was really, really well executed. So thank you guys for that. I don't really start that often up front in Spa, so that's also nice," Verstappen said on the radio following his P2 finish, referencing the fact he has often taken grid penalties at the Belgian GP.
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Verstappen: It was P6 without Hadjar's help
Photo: Race Pictures
Speaking post-Quali, Verstappen reflected further on the tow. He said: “It was definitely helping me, otherwise I would not be standing here. Otherwise I think I would be like P6, or something.
“So, I think Isack today, knowing that has to start at the back of the grid, he did a really good job giving me a tow in the final sector, and that’s why we’re standing right here.“For sure, tomorrow I think I’ll be looking in my mirrors at the people around me, but at least today we had a really good result.
“I think the car has been quite decent the whole weekend, not on the level maybe that Kimi was doing. But we’re happy to be on the front row with how we executed as a team."
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On his hopes for Sunday's race, the Dutchman said: “It’s always tough around here with the tyres and the long runs. I’ll just do my best and see if we can hang in there or not.”
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Belgian Grand Prix
Overview
Friday 17.07.26
Practice 1
11:30 AM
Practice 2
03:00 PM
Saturday 18.07.26
Practice 3
10:30 AM
Qualification
02:00 PM
Sunday 19.07.26
Race
01:00 PM
Friday 17.07.26
Practice 1
Fri 11:30 AM
Practice 2
Fri 03:00 PM
Saturday 18.07.26
Practice 3
Sat 10:30 AM
Qualification
Sat 02:00 PM
Sunday 19.07.26
Race
Sun 01:00 PM
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Season
| Pos. | Driver | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | MercedesMER | 179 | |
2 | MercedesMER | 154 | |
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5 | McLarenMCL | 97 | |
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10 | Racing BullsRCB | 39 |
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