Doornbos believes in the title Verstappen: ''Clause to leave by the end of 2021''
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Max Verstappen does not really seem to be able to compete for the world title in 2020 either, so he will have to wait another one or maybe two years for his real chance at Red Bull Racing. However, the question is whether that chance will come?
Verstappen on his own at Red Bull
''Yes, it's going to be him in the end at Red Bull. A billion euros will be invested in this project to make Verstappen champion. The Achilles' heel was always the engine, but now it is the second driver. Honda is making steps forward, but Verstappen has no one besides it who can help develop the car'', says Robert Doornbos in the Formula 1 Podcast of the AD.
However, according to Doornbos there is little point in leaving Red Bull. ''Of course he was very disappointed after the first races, but he can put that into perspective again. The question is whether you are going to take a gamble to switch to Mercedes in 2022. With new rules, things can change just like that. We know he has a clause that he can leave in 2022, so if you get second in 2020 or 2021 he can leave, but are you going to gamble on Mercedes?''
Who will replace Albon?
So where, according to Doornbos, Verstappen could choose a different team at the end of 2021, it is now a matter of improving Red Bull itself. According to the former Formula 1 driver, the problem lies with the second driver, but who would be good enough to replace Alexander Albon?
''They don't have any particular talents in the junior program, but they shoot themselves in the foot when they get someone from outside. Vettel would have to give up 90% of his salary, because that is what Ferrari pays Red Bull is never going to do. They have already pulled out all the stops for Verstappen'', concludes Doornbos, who expects that Helmut Marko will have to look for the current problem.