Robert Doornbos has built a reputation since his racing career for offering analysis that is direct, considered and unencumbered by the kind of diplomatic caution that tends to characterise commentary from those still embedded within the sport.
Speaking about the 2026 Formula One season, the former Red Bull and Midland driver is in characteristically forthright form, and his verdict on the early weeks of the championship is one that few observers would have predicted heading into the opening round in Melbourne.
Asked whether Kimi Antonelli constitutes a serious championship threat to his Mercedes teammate George Russell, Doornbos does not hesitate.
“One hundred percent,” he told GamblingNews.uk.
“The confidence of Kimi got a huge boost after the strong recovery weekend in Melbourne,” Doornbos added.
“China was the first big win, with a dominant Japan weekend straight after, win number two in style and not on the easiest circuit.”
The conclusion he draws from this run of form is stated without reservation: “My bet is on Kimi becoming F1 World Champion.”
The prospect of two genuine title contenders within the same Mercedes garage raises questions about how the team will manage that situation as the standings evolve.
Russell remains a formidable presence in his own right, and the internal dynamic between the two drivers will inevitably come under greater scrutiny as the season progresses.
On the subject of team orders, Doornbos is straightforward: they will be introduced when the points gap between the two drivers makes them a practical necessity.
At Ferrari, the focus falls on a pairing that generated considerable discussion throughout the winter.
Lewis Hamilton’s departure from Mercedes at the end of 2024 in order to join Charles Leclerc represented one of the most significant driver moves in recent memory.
Doornbos detects a notable shift in Hamilton’s disposition so far in 2026, and regards it as significant.
“I see that Lewis is enjoying himself again in F1, and it proves that when you eliminate negative thoughts you can perform better as an athlete,” he said, noting that Ferrari’s package this year is considerably stronger than 2025.
On that basis, Doornbos predicts that Hamilton will secure a race victory before Leclerc does so this season, a view that runs counter to the assumption held by many that Leclerc would naturally re-establish himself as the leading force within the team.
“The wheel-to-wheel racing has been outstanding,” he concluded.
