'Max Verstappen is the Messi of motorsport' says former Red Bull driver

Dutch former Formula One driver Robert Doornbos compares Max Verstappen to the Barcelona footballer Lionel Messi.

Racing just eleven times in Formula One for Minardi and Red Bull, Doornbos is a Formula One name that would likely score well on the BBC quiz show 'Pointless'.

As one of only 16-drivers to race under the Dutch flag in Formula One however, he is still well regarded in the Netherlands where he works as an analyst for Ziggo Sports.

Spoeaking of his countryman, Max Verstappen, in an interview with Gassan magazine, Doornbos said, "Max Verstappen is the Messi of motorsport. Once in the decade a super talent like Max comes by. Someone who can and can do so much at such a young age is unique."

As a direct result of the success of Verstappen in his early Formula One career, the Dutch Grand Prix will this year return to the calendar for the first time since 1985. The move is similar to periods of success enjoyed by other drivers with, in the reasonably recent history of the sport, the European Grand Prix being held in Germany to profit off the success of Michael Schumacher and then moved to Valencia in Spain for Fernando Alonso.

To win at his first home Grand Prix, Verstappen will be hoping that the 2020 Red Bull is a marked step up on the 2019 car. Despite having several slow sections, power will be key in taking victory at Zandvoort. Doornbos is not writing off the Red Bull drivers chances quite yet.

"If you think something is impossible, Max does it anyway," added Doornbos. "He has proven that he can rise above his material. But if the power is not there, compared to Ferrari or Mercedes , it will be difficult,"

Related

Latest F1 News

Horner reveals 'unhuman' Verstappen secret

• Yesterday 19:58

Latest F1 News

Red Bull already sending parts to F1 race MONTHS away

• Yesterday 12:57