F1 2022: Max Verstappen looks for home comfort at Belgium Grand Prix

While Verstappen could complete a hat-trick of victories, Ferrari is floundering in pursuit having seen seven pole positions produce only three wins for Charles Leclerc

 Max Verstappen will return to work with a spring in his step this weekend when he bids to tighten his grip on the Formula One world championship with a second triumph at the Belgian Grand Prix.

In the first of two ‘home’ races for the 24-year-old Dutchman, as part of a testing post-holiday triple-header, Red Bull’s defending champion will delight in racing at his favourite, old-style circuit in the Belgian Ardennes.

“I am feeling ready to race again after a good break,” he said.

“I’ve definitely got the itch again to get back into it - it will be a busy triple-header, but it will be ok to manage as we have all had a rest.”

After wins in France and Hungary, Verstappen could also complete a hat-trick of consecutive victories as Ferrari flounder in pursuit having seen seven pole positions produce only three wins for Charles Leclerc.

Formula One’s annual European summer closedown began after the Hungarian Grand Prix on July 31 and ended earlier this week as teams began preparations for the much-loved race at the spectacular circuit in the forests.

With a luxurious lead of 80 points ahead of Leclerc in the title race, Verstappen can afford to ease off and finish second in all of the remaining nine races - in 12 weeks - that make up the second half of the season.