Despite disappointment Jos Verstappen won't leave it at that.
Published on 13 February 2004 by Huub Rothengatter
Recovering from the slap in the face of all Jos Verstappen fans we know now that Jos Verstappen won't be driving in Formula 1 this season. Despite all positive reports in the media a deal with Jordan F1 is definately not a possibility. Eddie Jordan preferred Pantano, the teamowner will probably have his reasons for that.
We were hoping that Jos would move forward on the grid but now there is nothing, not even a Minardi. Jos and his management have conquered hotter irons. Instead of taking your loss and concentrate on other race classes there is always hope, hope has always been the red thread in Jos Verstappen's F1 career. Hoping for a seat, a better team. Others might have given up but Jos keeps fighting, despite the possible great disappointment. What is left to do now? Nothing other than to straighten your back and be prepared, just in case. Waiting until one of the drivers retires from the seasion. It is a fact that the end of the season has different drivers on the grid than at the beginning. Jos is more than ready to take his place on the bench and substitute where necesary. A driver with his qualities combined with sponsoring can expect a phone call at any time.
We spoke with Jos right after the fact, the astonishment and unpleasant surprise that the deal with Jordan is definately off the table. Media all over the world will start pointing fingers. Trust's MD, Michel Perridon is to blame; Huub Rothengatter is to blame; Jos' salary demands are out of the ordinary, the length of the contract was an issue, etc. We asked Jos Verstappen what exactly was the cause.
Can you explain in a few sentences why the deal didn't go through?
“Oh yes, it just didn't work. Jordan didn't want to give in and that is why we couldn't reach a deal. That's it. Who's to blame? In Formula 1 it is virtually impossible to pinpoint the cause. It was a combination of multiple factors: sponsor demands, team interests and driver's preferences. We were close.”
In the media it is suggested that your salary demands are exuberant.
“Nonsense, I am not going to talk about my salary wishes. The demands I proposed are fair. Media speculation is part of Formula 1. Apparently I received a letter of Eddie Jordan telling me he didn't need my services. Not true; we broke off negotiations last week. We were tired of waiting, endless talks. We had enough.”
Was it possible to take that decision earlier? We waited all winter, resulting in this.
“Everything you agree has to be written in a contract. Only when all parties reach an agreement on all points, even the smallest detail, a contract is ready is to be signed. I've always stuck by: first everything needs to be signed and sealed before I fit a seat or even drive some laps in a test car. I could have fitted a seat a long time ago but I didn't want it. Only when the conract is signed I will render my services to a team. Again and again we had the feeling we were getting closer. Especially this week when the talks we re-started. Last week we had the feeling we were going in circles, no solution in sight. We have done our best but Eddie Jordan just wouldn't give in, this week it was exactly the same all over again.”
Do you think that Jordan has considered your driver qualities?
“The lack of appreciation does hurt. It is not that Eddie wanted me only for the money. That isn't the fact, he knows me qualities and wanted me because of that. Maybe he preferred the money just a bit more.”
Are you still aiming for a drive in Formula 1 or are you looking elsewhere?
“For the time being I will focus my efforts on Formula 1. It won't surprise me if some seats become available during the season. Well, they know that I am on the bench with a nice sponsor package on offer. DTM? Nah, completely full. We do have some contact in the USA but that's all. I keep hoping for a speedy return to Formula 1.”
You were very harsh in your comments about Minardi. Do you still stick with that?
“Oh yes, I don't want to be the car with the red lantern. Not another year driving at the back of the grid, that is not something a driver with my experience and talent should have to do. No way.”
Trust's MD, Michel Perridon and Hubb Rothengatter didn't seem to be the best of friends. Perridon has decided to support you, unconditionally. Is Huub Rothengatter still part of this?
“Many things have happened thanks to Michel, but Huub too. I have said it before, Huub will stay to be my manager. It is thanks to him that I have been in Formula 1 for such a long time. He will always be part of it. Besides, Huub and Michel have had a good chat and put their differences aside.”
Have you spoken with Michael Schumacher about your dealing with Jordan? He is one of your friends, what does he think?
“No, we never talk about these kind of matters. What would he be able to say? He is not part of the negotiations. We do talk about F1, but more in general. I spoke with him on the phone last week. We are friends, you talk about anything, Formula 1 is only a small part; nothing more - nothing less”
You won't be on the grid, but are you going to any of the Grand Prix this season?
“No, I don't feel like doing that. If I go to a circuit, it is to race. I hope that will happen rather sooner than later.”
Apparently you are still positive. How is that possible after such a decision?
“I am very disappointed, but I can see possibilities. I have to see if all drivers can make the grade. Each season we see changes within teams. I have to be ready: I am focused, physically fit, ready to get in a car and go fast. My sponsors are eager to return. We want the world of Formula 1 to know that we haven't said goodbye. There is a driver available with talent, experience and a financial attractive package. All team owners know that. The season hasn't started and definately hasn't finished yet!”
