Doornbos about Verstappen: "You don't want to go through that first corner like a

Step in the right direction

In qualifying Verstappen had to yield only three tenths to Valtteri Bottas and in the race the Dutchman finished second, a good four seconds behind race winner Lewis Hamilton. So he did good business this weekend. "I think Red Bull has taken a step in the right direction", also Doornbos sees the progress at Red Bull Racing. "Slowly but surely the team of Verstappen seems to close the gap to Mercedes. Verstappen has once again maximised its result".

Little track time

Due to the two cancelled free practice sessions, the drivers had very little track time at the Nürburgring. "Surely that is to the advantage of someone like Max", thinks Doornbos. "Not over analysing the data, but sit down and drive." In the end, the drivers could only enter the track during the third free practice session, just before qualifying. "Qualifying was top notch, a magical lap that resulted in P3."

Mature driving

Doornbos is very pleased with the season of Verstappen so far. "What I think is really cool about Max this year, and he showed that last year, is how mature he drives. He decides how much risk he wants to take to reach the goal, to be on the podium in an hour and a half". A good example of that is the start of the last race. "He left Leclerc plenty of room at the start to get through the hairpin together. It could have been over just like that. You have to have that insight and have the courage to give it that space, because you don't want to go through that first corner like a wimp."