Perez sets target for Italy GP: "That would be good"

Sergio Perez is looking towards the Italian Grand Prix with hope, the Mexican told Sky Sports and others at the press conference. Max Verstappen's team-mate expects Red Bull Racing to be strong at the start and hopes for a podium finish.

After finishing second in the race weekend in Belgium, Perez was unable to build on that lead. Last week, the driver had to settle for a fifth place, which allowed Charles Leclerc to catch up with him in the world championship. Perez is more hopeful for this weekend.

"I will hope that we will have similar pace to Spa, that would be good," he stressed to journalists. "But I believe this track is different to Belgium, certainly the weather. For example, Mercedes were strong last weekend especially with the tyre deg. It will be interesting on Sunday."

Verstappen demands sharpness from Red Bull

Verstappen is also confident that Red Bull will have a great weekend ahead, but he is nonetheless keeping an open mind. The Dutchman maintains that his team first needs to get its own performance right before it can focus on the competition.