Robert Doornbos steps down immediately as a Formula 1 analyst for Ziggo Sport. The former driver is emigrating to the Middle East.

Robert Doornbos steps down immediately as a Formula 1 analyst for Ziggo Sport. The former driver is emigrating to the Middle East.

“After many wonderful years, this will be my last time in the Formula 1 Café,” the 43-year-old Doornbos announced on the Ziggo Sport program of the same name. The Rotterdam native revealed that he will soon be relocating to Dubai. “Sometimes opportunities come along that you just can’t pass up. This is an amazing chance in the Middle East.”

“I’ve worked proudly for ten years and look back on this period with great pride,” Doornbos continued, visibly emotional.

“I’m saying goodbye to my TV family. Even during tough personal times, like with my daughter, you were always there for me. I’m very grateful for that.”

Doornbos participated in eleven Formula 1 races in 2005 and 2006. After his active career as a driver, he became well-known as an analyst for Ziggo Sport, where he worked since 2013, when the channel was still called Sport1.