Robert Doornbos argues that the reliability problems at Red Bull Racing need to be resolved quickly, as a third failure could be disastrous for Max Verstappen' s chances of title prologation. However, the former Formula One driver doesn't think Verstappen will be put off after DNFs in Bahrain and Australia.

Verstappen takes a hit

"Look, with Max the self-confidence is always there, but you are the world champion and you drive with number one on your car. If you then start the season in this way, it is painful," Doornbos said at RTL Boulevard. "In Formula 1, it becomes very difficult to become champion anymore if you drop out twice. It's just not good."

Next, the Formula 1 analyst states that there are reciprocal performance clauses between Red Bull Racing and Verstappen. He argues that the team can show a driver the door without mercy in case of underperformance. "But the other way around as well: if they [Red Bull] can't provide him with a good car, then you also start to have doubts about that long contract he signed."

Helmut Marko recently confirmed that his 24-year-old pupil has an escape clause in his contract. For the time being, however, it seems too early to think that Verstappen himself has already started to doubt about signing a new commitment. The gap with Ferrari is still to be bridged and the reliability problems do not seem insoluble.