Perez recharged to help Verstappen: "Had to refresh myself mentally"

The summer break has done Sergio Perez good. He stated that in the press conference prior to the Belgian Grand Prix. The Red Bull Racing driver was glad he had some time to prepare for the remaining GP's this season. The battle with Mercedes remains as exciting as ever, Perez thinks.

"I had to refresh myself mentally," Perez told Formula1.co.uk. In the first half of the year from the end of March to the beginning of August, no less than eleven Grands Prix were completed. It went not quite as desired because with 104 points the Mexican is a somewhat disappointing fifth place in the world championship.

In the constructors' standings, Mercedes is twelve points ahead. Red Bull Racing is counting on Perez to loosen up in the second half of the season. The task of the 31-year-old driver is mainly to finish ahead of Valtteri Bottas and where possible to keep Lewis Hamilton behind.

Battle with Mercedes close

"There is little difference between us and I expect it to stay that way. I hope so anyway," said Perez about the duels to be fought with Mercedes. At Spa-Francorchamps, he has never finished higher than fifth place in his career in Formula 1, so Perez must at least try to get over that this weekend.