Former F1 driver backs Verstappen for unusual award amid difficult 2025 season

Max Verstappen may not be in the title fight this season, but former Formula 1 driver Robert Doornbos believes the Dutchman has still delivered some remarkable performances.

In Hungary, Verstappen was openly critical of his car, reflecting the challenges he has faced throughout 2025. At the Hungaroring, he qualified only eighth and finished ninth in the race. The Red Bull Racing driver even admitted he does not expect to win a race under normal circumstances this year with the current machinery.

Verstappen the 'best rookie' according to Doornbos?

Despite the difficult season, Doornbos continues to speak highly of Verstappen. When asked about his pick fo the ‘rookie of the year’, the former driver tunred analyst unexpectelly brough up the four time world champion, possibly because he misunderstood the question, about Verstappen: "I think Max in Japan might have been amazing, considering his performance in the qualifying."

"Talking about talent and strategy, performing at the right time in Q3, that round, and then winning the race in Japan... That was really impressive, I think," Doornbos continued enthusiastically about the performances of the four-time world champion. 

Verstappen, in addition to his victory in Japan, celebrated another win in 2025. In Imola, he managed to win the Grand Prix after overtaking Oscar Piastri in the first round at turn 1 on the outside. In the seven races that followed, Verstappen only stood on the podium once, in Canada. However, he managed to win the sprint race in Belgium and took pole position for the Grand Prix of Great Britain. After a spin, he eventually finished fifth in that race.