Isack Hadjar’s Double Pit Stop Delivers Sixth at Belgian GP

Back‑grid Start and Early Moves

Red Bull driver Isack Hadjar lined up at the rear of the Spa‑Francorchamps grid after receiving a penalty for exceeding his fifth power unit of the season. He began on hard tyres, expecting a long first stint, and moved past two cars to reach 18th place before the race’s first safety car was deployed. The safety car came out following George Russell’s lap‑one crash, catching Hadjar’s early tyre strategy off‑guard. The French driver’s hasty ascent set the stage for the unconventional pit‑stop sequence that would follow.

When the safety car appeared, Red Bull elected to pit Hadjar for medium compounds, fulfilling the two‑compound rule. The team then added a second stop at the end of lap two, reinstall the hard tyre to give Hadjar flexibility for later tyre choices. “The goal was to have options later,” he explained to Canal+, noting he lost some positions but felt he would quickly recover. The bold move left him puzzled, even for a Red Bull driver accustomed to precise pit‑calls.

Rapid Pace and Mid‑Race Rise

After the second pit stop, Hadjar’s rhythm improved dramatically. He completed what effectively was a one‑stop race, pitting again under a virtual safety car. His fastest 10‑lap average of 1m49.727s outpaced Max Verstappen’s 1m49.809s, vaulting him into the top ten by lap 15. The timing of the VSC proved crucial, allowing the young driver to preserve his tyre life while staying competitive. He ultimately held off Lando Norris—starting 13th and pitting once on lap 30—to claim sixth at the flag.

Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies praised the performance as “his best race with us, no question.” He highlighted a steady speed gain across the season, noting Hadjar’s pace matched top‑three levels on the day. The unusual strategy, combined with the VSC window, gave Hadjar the chance to overtake Norris cleanly. Mekies expressed strong satisfaction with the driver’s progression and consistency behind the wheel.

Team Praise and Season Standings

Hadjar’s result propelled him to 60 points this season, double the tally accumulated by Red Bull’s second drivers, Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda, last year. The French driver’s consistency has become a bright spot for the team amid a challenging campaign. His performance underscores Red Bull’s willingness to experiment when it promises a competitive edge. With each race, his speed appears to edge higher, positioning him as a key asset for the remainder of the schedule.

The data also reflect a broader narrative of youthful talent breaking through in Formula 1. As the season progresses, teams will watch whether this momentum can be sustained against a field of seasoned veterans. Hadjar’s ability to adapt under pressure offers valuable insight for strategy teams looking to maximize limited tyre options.