NOVEMBER 6, 2003

Where does Verstappen go in 2004?

Jos Verstappen hopes to continue his Formula 1 career in 2004 but with Gimmi Bruni expected to be signed soon for Minardi and the team's second seat likely to go to a pay-driver the Dutchman may find himself out of a job unless he can talk his way into a drive at Jordan or Jaguar. The latter is not likely as it is anticipated that the available seat will go to Alexander Wurz who is reported to have been given the all-clear to leave the Woking team at the end of the year, despite the fact that he has two years remaining on his testing contract with the team. It is anticipated that Austrian Formula 3 racer Christian Klien, who has sponsorship from energy drinks giant Red Bull, will be given the role of reserve and test driver by Jaguar Racing, although the team is keen to make it clear that no decisions have been made at the moment.

This leaves Verstappen with the option of Jordan but Eddie Jordan needs money and is likely to go for a British driver in one of the seats because it would mean an extra $4m from sponsor Benson & Hedges.

The other option is to go back to Minardi for another year although with the team needing the same kind of money that Jordan will be asking for, Verstappen will have to decide which choice will offer him a better chance of success. At the end of this season the two were not far apart in terms of performance.