Max Verstappen concedes Red Bull may not be fast enough to challenge Mercedes at every race until Abu Dhabi.

Before the summer break, the Dutchman emerged as the biggest threat to the dominance of the German manufacturer and would score the most points of any driver between Austria and Hungary.

As the season prepares to get underway again this weekend in Belgium, however, Max admits he's unsure if recent results are possible.

"I think in general it will be a bit tougher for us because of the long straights but even in Silverstone, for example, we were still competitive so we just need to find the good balance for the car," he explained.

"Of course around here [at Spa] Sector 1 and 3 are pretty much flat out and then Sector 2 has a lot of corners. So you have to find the right compromise."

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Over the final nine races, however, Verstappen does see more opportunities to add to his two victories in Austria and Germany.

"I always try to be the best I can. I think it’s just got to be a bit track-dependant for us where I will be more competitive," he admitted.

"I’m expecting this to be a bit more tricky and especially Monza but from then onwards, also with upgrades coming to the car, of course everybody is doing that, but I think there are a few tracks where we can have a go.

"For the championship, I don’t think so, but like I said, I always try to get the best out of every single race weekend and then we’ll find out where we’ll end up in the end."

Currently, the gap between Verstappen and Hamilton is 69 points, just six shy of three race victories, but Lewis isn't taking anything for granted yet.

"Max is catching up and getting quite close on points [to Bottas], and they've got a couple of tracks which should be really strong for them," Hamilton noted to Sky Sports.

"They might continue to be really strong for the rest of the year, like at the end of last year. I see them being very much a threat throughout the rest of the season.

"It could be either [Valtteri or Max] as my main rival," he added.

"You have to look at all the possibilities so, of course, it is still possible. But not's something I try and worry myself about.

"It's possible for Valtteri to still win the title. I don't know how far back it goes, but I've just got to focus on trying to deliver every weekend."