DECEMBER 30, 2002

The future of Jos Verstappen

The Internet is always full of stories about Jos Verstappen's future in Formula 1 but the Dutchman has yet to secure a drive for the coming season. At the moment there are just two possibilities remaining: one with Minardi and the other with Jordan Grand Prix.

Verstappen was the first choice for Minardi for a long time but as the team needs money from its second driver and Verstappen seems unable (or unwilling) to raise it it is not looking very likely at the moment.

The Jordan option is possible although Eddie Jordan apparently also needs to find some cash. The Irishman is talking to a variety of drivers: some with money and some without but is only going to make a decision on his second driver when it becomes clear if there is a backer willing to support the choice.

The men in the frame at the moment seem to be Eddie Irvine (although the talks seem to have gone rather quiet of late) and Felipe Massa.

Verstappen remains upbeat saying that he hopes to make an announcement about his future by the middle of January.