Verstappen has 'got the itch' to get back to it at Spa

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Max Verstappen is reset and rested after a leisurely summer break and ready to get back to work at Spa-Francorchamps, his favourite track.

The Red Bull charger heads into F1's reprise event with a comfortable lead in the Drivers' standings as he precedes Ferrari's Charles Leclerc by a lofty 80 points, with nine rounds to go.

A second home race of sorts for Verstappen due to the massive number of neighboring Dutch fans that converge to Spa, this weekend's Belgian Grand Prix will kick start a busy triple header that will also include Zandvoort and Monza.

"I’m feeling ready to race again after a good break," Verstappen said in Red Bull's race weekend preview.

"I definitely got the itch to get back to it. It will be a busy triple header but it will be okay to manage as we’ve all had a rest."

Read also: Horner calls on F1 to 'ringfence' Spa, Silverstone and Monza

Spa has undergone a few changes since F1's last visit in 2021, with the run-off areas of the Eau Rouge-Raidillon complex receiving a significant makeover and gravel traps added on the outside of four corners.

"The upgrades to the track have made it a little more old school with the gravel traps which I think is a good idea," commented Verstappen, who won last year's race at Spa.

"It’s my favourite track so I’m looking forward to racing there this weekend. It looks like there might be rain around which will make it more tricky, but luckily as a team we like a challenge."

On the other side of the Red Bull garage, Sergio Perez is also recharged and ready to return to action.

"It has been a good break and I have really recharged for the second half of the season and I am ready for it," said the Mexican.

"There are great races coming up, especially Belgium on a track that I always enjoy and the fans are always amazing there.

"I cannot wait to get back to work and see my team. I think it’s nice to start after the break with a triple header, where we can really get into our rhythm."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.