Max Verstappen identifies key Red Bull hope despite 'tricky' test

Max Verstappen has pinpointed a reason for optimism at the Belgian Grand Prix, with Red Bull having "historically done well" at Spa-Francorchamps.

The four-time F1 drivers' champion heads to the Ardennes following a frustrating weekend at the British Grand Prix, where his RB22 suffered a rear wing failure for the second successive round.

Understandably aggrieved with the situation, the Dutchman cut a frustrated figure after retiring from third place just four laps from home at Silverstone, labelling the Milton Keynes squad's rotating rear wing "super dangerous" as speculation over his F1 future continued to grow.

Verstappen is believed to be increasingly dissatisfied with progress at the six-time constructors' champions, which has been inconsistent of late, and with rumours of a McLaren move intensifying over recent weeks, the relationship between the 28-year-old and Red Bull is looking ever more fragile.

However, the 71-time grand prix winner dived back into work with the team after the disappointing round in the United Kingdom, and is happy to be returning to his favourite circuit on the F1 calendar.

"It has been good to have a bit of a break, and although Silverstone was a tough weekend, I have been back at the factory with the team last week on the sim," Verstappen said ahead of the weekend.

"Looking to Spa, it is my favourite track on the calendar and is always good to be back."

Under F1's new power unit regulations, the energy-straved nature of the Spa-Francorchamps will make it a formidable test for all teams and drivers, but Red Bull is one of the outfits that has struggled the most at energy-poor venues this season.

However, the team also has a track record for strong results in Belgium, which is something Verstappen, who has won three times there, is banking on heading into the round.

He added: "I think it could be trickier with the energy management limitations on the straights, but we have historically done well here, so you never know what will happen."