Former Formula 1 driver Robert Doornbos has expressed a sense of déjà vu regarding Max Verstappen’s current situation at Red Bull Racing, specifically referencing the 2026 World Championship standings. Doornbos’s comments come as Verstappen and Red Bull navigate a challenging season, with the team currently off the pace of their main rivals.
Following the Hungarian Grand Prix on July 26, Andrea Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes leads the Drivers’ Championship with 219 points. Lewis Hamilton for Ferrari holds second place with 169 points, while George Russell, also from Mercedes, is third with 160 points. Max Verstappen is currently sixth in the standings with 109 points.
In the Constructors’ Championship, Mercedes leads with 379 points. Ferrari is in second position with 307 points, and McLaren holds third with 220 points. Red Bull Racing is currently fourth in the constructors’ battle with 177 points.
Verstappen secured a second-place finish at the Hungarian Grand Prix, starting from fourth on the grid after grid penalties affected Lewis Hamilton and Andrea Kimi Antonelli. He described the race as ‘one of the hardest’ of the 2026 season, citing persistent car issues.
The four-time World Champion has reported ongoing aerodynamic problems, shift difficulties, and rear-wing issues in recent races. These technical challenges have prevented Red Bull from consistently matching the performance of Mercedes, Ferrari, and McLaren this season.
Doornbos previously stated that Verstappen would join Mercedes for the 2026 season, a prediction that did not materialise. He now suggests Verstappen made an error by not considering his advice. Doornbos also noted that the RB22 chassis is Red Bull’s primary concern, rather than their new RBPT-Ford power unit.
The former driver claimed this is ‘the worst Red Bull Max has ever driven’. Doornbos also highlighted that Verstappen appeared ‘too relaxed’ during Red Bull’s difficult start to the 2025 season, suggesting the driver had already made decisions about his future.
Speculation continues regarding Verstappen’s contract, which reportedly includes an exit clause allowing him to leave if Red Bull falls outside the top three in the Constructors’ Championship. Red Bull is currently fourth. Red Bull is reportedly increasing pressure on Verstappen to clarify his plans for the 2027 driver lineup.
Laurent Mekies, Team Principal and CEO of Red Bull Racing since 2025, has acknowledged that other drivers are inquiring about Verstappen’s seat due to the ongoing uncertainty. Verstappen’s manager and father were observed visiting McLaren’s hospitality area during the Belgian Grand Prix weekend, further fueling transfer discussions.
Doornbos believes Verstappen will ultimately have little alternative but to complete his contract with Red Bull until 2028. This comes amidst reports of significant personnel changes within the Milton Keynes-based team.
