Isack Hadjar recovers to sixth place after odd double pitstop strategy
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 20, 2026, 9:28 AM
Last updated Jul 20, 2026
Isack Hadjar of Red Bull Racing executed an unconventional double pitstop strategy at the Belgian Grand Prix, ultimately finishing sixth. Starting from the back due to a power unit penalty, Hadjar switched from hard to medium tyres early in the race after a safety car, then returned to hard tyres. This strategy gave him flexibility later in the race, allowing him to maintain competitive pace. Hadjar's performance included average lap times quicker than teammate Max Verstappen's, marking a significant achievement in his season.
- •Hadjar started from the back of the Spa-Francorchamps grid.
- •He executed two pitstops within the first two laps of the race.
- •Hadjar averaged lap times better than Max Verstappen’s during the race.
- •Red Bull team principal praised Hadjar's performance and strategy.
- •Hadjar held off Lando Norris to secure sixth place.
- 9:28 AMYahoo Sports — Two pitstops in two laps – The odd strategy that made Isack Hadjar’s recovery
- 9:28 AMMotorsport.com — Two pitstops in two laps – The odd strategy that made Isack Hadjar’s recovery
"You don’t typically expect a Formula 1 driver to pit twice at the start of a race and end up sixth under the chequered flag, but that’s exactly what Red Bull’s Isack Hadjar did at the Belgian Grand Prix. Hadjar was starting from the back of the Spa-Francorchamps grid, owing to a penalty after being equipped with his fifth power unit of the season. Expecting a long first stint, the ...Keep reading
"Red Bull pitted Hadjar on lap one and two at Spa-Francorchamps, a counterintuitive move that paved the way for his “best race” at the team
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJul 20, 2026, 9:28 AMTwo pitstops in two laps – The odd strategy that made Isack Hadjar’s recovery
Red Bull pitted Hadjar on lap one and two at Spa-Francorchamps, a counterintuitive move that paved the way for his “best race” at the team
- Motorsport.comJul 20, 2026, 9:28 AMTwo pitstops in two laps – The odd strategy that made Isack Hadjar’s recovery
You don’t typically expect a Formula 1 driver to pit twice at the start of a race and end up sixth under the chequered flag, but that’s exactly what Red Bull’s Isack Hadjar did at the Belgian Grand Prix. Hadjar was starting from the back of the Spa-Francorchamps grid, owing to a penalty after being equipped with his fifth power unit of the season. Expecting a long first stint, the ...Keep reading
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