Verstappen said last week that he does not expect Red Bull Racing to be able to fight Mercedes in 2021. According to the Dutchman, the gap to the current champions is too big to bridge in just one year. According to Robert Doornbos these statements are a good reminder of reality.

"It is enormously realistic, I think you have to be. You have to have a dot on the horizon and Red Bull really only has one dot and that's becoming a champion. Mercedes has been enormously dominant since the introduction of the hybrid engines in 2014. Maybe they don't have the best car but by far the best engine", explained Doornbos on Peptalk on Ziggo Sport.

Red Bull dependent on Honda?

"That makes up for so much. There are few development opportunities for next year. You can use a few jokers on the motorbike. Honda is now entering their final year and of course they want to say goodbye with a bang," said Doornbos.

According to Doornbos it is mainly down to the developments of Honda's engine, whether Red Bull can take a big step next year to actually reach Mercedes. "That's what they really need to be talking about. The chassis is strong enough to fight the battle," concluded Doornbos.