Robert Doornbos was absolutely convinced that Max Verstappen would make the move to Mercedes. However, the former Formula 1 driver had to admit his mistake when it was revealed that the Dutchman would stay with Red Bull Racing. The analyst still has a tip for Verstappen.
Verstappen's exit clause has expired. If the Red Bull Racing driver were to be outside the top three during the summer break, he could have left without his team being able to fight the switch.
However, this was not the reason he stayed. The Dutchman would've made this decision even if the clause had been activated.
Doornbos gives advice to Verstappen about Red Bull
Doornbos thinks that Verstappen would do well to 'sharpen the performance up a bit', he told Motorsport.com.
"So you can still leave if the project does not deliver. And this does not necessarily have to do with loyalty or anything."
"Formula 1 is a cutthroat business and you basically want to be in the fastest car as long as possible, especially if you have the talent of Max Verstappen."
Doornbos continued that it is 'unworthy of Max' that Verstappen came ninth in Hungary and that Red Bull will understand this very well.
He also suggested that it is not good for anyone if the Dutchman is in the mid-field or at the back. Therefore, Doornbos expects that they will not keep him to his contract until the end of 2028 if that is the case.
For now, Verstappen still places in the top three in the drivers' standings. The Dutchman is significantly behind Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, but so far he has managed to keep George Russell behind him. The difference between the Dutchman and his British colleague is currently 15 points.
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