Max Verstappen reflected on his third-place finish at the 2026 Belgian Grand Prix, marking his third podium of the season. Despite a strong start and a front-row qualifying position, Verstappen described his race as “unlucky,” highlighting the impact of strategy and car setup decisions on his final result.
Verstappen qualified alongside polesitter Kimi Antonelli, benefiting from a tow from his teammate Isack Hadjar. For the race, he opted to use an older rear wing specification after the upgraded part had been linked to crashes in previous events. Verstappen briefly led the race before falling back to second place and was the first frontrunner to make a pit stop for fresh tyres.
Shortly after Verstappen’s pit stop, a Virtual Safety Car (VSC) was deployed, which prevented him from gaining the expected advantage and left him caught between the leading battle and the rest of the field. Despite these challenges, Verstappen expressed satisfaction with securing third place, stating he gave everything he had during the race.
Isack Hadjar also featured prominently for Oracle Red Bull Racing, recovering from a grid penalty that saw him start 21st to finish sixth and score valuable points for the team. Hadjar expressed satisfaction with his race execution but voiced frustration over the engine penalty that affected his qualifying position.
The race outcome underlined how small details in strategy and car setup can influence results in Formula 1®. Verstappen’s choice to revert to the older rear wing was a cautious move following safety concerns, and while it may have affected his pace, it contributed to a stable finish on the podium.
Verstappen’s comments after the race emphasized the fine margins that can define a race weekend. His description of the drive as “unlucky” reflects the complex interplay of factors such as timing, track incidents, and strategic calls that shape the final standings. Meanwhile, Hadjar’s recovery highlighted the resilience of the Red Bull squad in challenging circumstances.
This analysis provides a clear view of Verstappen’s race at Spa-Francorchamps, focusing on the strategic and technical aspects that influenced his performance. It also sheds light on Hadjar’s progress despite setbacks, offering a balanced perspective on Oracle Red Bull Racing’s weekend in Belgium.