In a surprising turn of events, former Formula 1 driver Robert Doornbos has publicly suggested that reigning champion Max Verstappen might be preparing to leave Red Bull Racing. His comments come amid reports of the team struggling with performance issues that have seen them fall behind their competitors, particularly McLaren.
As of March 25, 2025, Red Bull is grappling with significant challenges in car development, which include several ongoing issues that have left them adrift of McLaren in the standings. Despite these setbacks, Verstappen currently sits second in the drivers' standings, only eight points behind McLaren's Lando Norris, demonstrating his incredible ability to extract results even from a less competitive car.
During the recent Chinese Grand Prix, Verstappen openly expressed his frustration, stating that the RB21 was simply "too slow" and insisting that the team still had substantial pace to find. This performance on the track poses questions about his loyalty to Red Bull, particularly as Doornbos noted that Verstappen seemed unusually calm given the circumstances surrounding his team's status.
“I think Max has already secretly said goodbye to the team,” Doornbos remarked during an episode of the TV show Formule 1 Café. He insisted that Verstappen's demeanor suggests he is mentally preparing for a move. According to Doornbos, “Given this whole situation, Max Verstappen is a little too relaxed.”
The speculation around Verstappen's future comes at a time when Red Bull is also addressing the troubled start of his new teammate, Liam Lawson. Lawson has struggled significantly, failing to score any points or advancing past the first stage of qualifying in both races this season. This has raised concerns about his viability as a driver for the team as they seek to reclaim their competitive edge.
“He thinks, 'It's Lawson, then it's Yuki Tsunoda. I can live with anything. I just want a car that performs better,'” Doornbos speculated regarding what Verstappen might think of his teammate's performance. This reflects a broader concern within the team, given the high expectations and pressures that accompany being Verstappen's teammate.
Three races into the season, Lawson's performance has been under scrutiny. He has had three successive early exits in qualifying rounds and has yet to accumulate any championship points. Observers noted he was seven tenths of a second off the pace during Q1 in China, significantly affecting his race strategy and overall performance.
In contrast, Verstappen managed to secure a podium finish in the sprint race, coming in second place, and achieved fourth in the main event. Despite the changes surrounding him, he has continued to showcase his talent on the track, though the performance gap in racing pace highlights the ongoing issues with the Red Bull cars.
As Red Bull navigates this difficult period, it is also contending with the departures of key personnel, including Adrian Newey, who left for Aston Martin, and Jonathan Wheatley, moving to Sauber, which will transform into Audi’s works team next year. These changes have raised further concerns about the team's stability heading into another crucial season.
Doornbos expressed further doubts regarding Red Bull’s ability to provide Verstappen with what he needs to stay competitive. “What Red Bull also feels is that if they have too many problems with the second driver, and then also crisis management within the organization... Because can Pierre Wache and his team really make that car better, and mount an attack on McLaren?” he asked, emphasizing the importance of addressing current shortcomings.
Verstappen is under contract with Red Bull until 2028, and though he has previously committed to the team, this turbulent climate raises questions about his long-term intentions. The uncertainty and turmoil within the team could influence what he ultimately decides to do as the new regulations approach.
Moreover, the situation is complicated by discussions around Lawson's future as Red Bull considers potential driver swaps in advance of the upcoming Japanese Grand Prix. Team officials have suggested the possibility of swapping Lawson with Tsunoda, indicating that the pressure is mounting for Lawson just weeks into his season.
The spotlight on Lawson's early struggles has intensified discussions about the difficulties of being Verstappen's teammate, a role often described as the hardest in the sport. Despite the challenges, Doornbos believes there's still time for Lawson to prove himself, particularly as they prepare for the next race at Suzuka.
“They’d be crazy to replace Lawson for Japan because Lawson knows Suzuka like the back of his hand and is clearly going to be better there,” noted a correspondent on The F1 Show, referencing Lawson's experience at the Japanese circuit, which could provide him a much-needed boost in performance.
As the F1 community gears up for the Japanese Grand Prix on April 4-6, the developments at Red Bull will remain a focal point as fans eagerly await to see how the team will navigate these tumultuous waters. The outcome of these decisions will likely shape the trajectory of not only Lawson's career but also that of Verstappen as they seek to reclaim their places among the leaders in Formula 1.
