Eddie Jordan forecasts: “If Verstappen doesn’t win the 2024 title, he’ll leave Formula 1”

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Is Max Verstappen’s future at Red Bull Racing really at risk if the Dutchman doesn’t secure another title in 2024?

Jordan F1 Grand Prix, remember? Those yellow F1 cars from 1991 to 2005! Eddie Jordan, the former F1 team boss, is convinced that Verstappen’s future in Formula 1 is at risk if he doesn’t take the title in 2024. Despite his multi-year contract with Red Bull Racing, the Dutch driver could very well leave earlier than expected.

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Who is Eddie Jordan, the man who knows the Formula 1 backstages?

Eddie Jordan isn’t just a random commentator; his words shouldn’t be taken lightly. Eddie is a former driver turned team boss of Jordan Grand Prix, a team he founded in 1991. Known for discovering young talent, his team launched talented drivers like Michael Schumacher. Jordan has been deeply involved in the world of Formula 1 and knows how to read the internal dynamics of teams, which is why his statements carry weight. After selling his team in 2005, Jordan remained an influential commentator, often going against the grain but rarely off the mark. When he speaks the paddock listens to him, and I think we might pay attention.

Jordan Grand Prix at the 2000 Belgium GP
Jordan Grand Prix at the 2000 Belgium GP

Max Verstappen under pressure at Red Bull Racing

Since Red Bull Racing took the lead in 2021, Max Verstappen has won almost everything, becoming literally the driver number 1 in the sport. With three world titles in the pocket (Already! I can’t believe it!), he’s often regarded as a future record holder as are Hamilton and Schumacher. But in 2024, a new reality could break his momentum. Verstappen has a solid contract with Red Bull until 2028, but as Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s advisor, recently pointed out, there are clauses that could allow Max to leave earlier. The champion has never hidden his desire to retire early and could decide to leave if the results or the team’s atmosphere don’t meet his expectations. The main threat to Red Bull comes from the other constructors’ team. Mercedes-AMG, Scuderia Ferrari, and even Aston Martin are teams eager to snap up Verstappen. Furthermore, tense relations between Christian Horner and Jos Verstappen, Max’s father, suggest that a move could be on the cards.

Max Verstappen greeting the fans
Max Verstappen greeting the fans

Leaving Red Bull Racing for which team?

First, the most likely option is that Verstappen stays with Red Bull. Despite a decline in performance, it remains one of the fastest teams on the grid, and Max is comfortable there. However, if he were to leave Red Bull, he has two options. He could stay in Formula 1 and join a team that has never hidden its interest in him, like Mercedes-AMG or McLaren, but all the seats are already locked in. He’d have to wait until the shorter contracts expire, like Russell’s at the end of the 2025 season, for example. But honestly, it’s hard to imagine Toto Wolff letting go of Russell. The other option is for him to simply leave Formula 1. Fed up with the FIA controversies or feeling burned out from the constant pressure, Verstappen has already mentioned the idea of hanging up his helmet well before he turns 30. Anyway, for now, he remains at the top of the standings, and there are only 6 Grand Prix left for the outcome to be decided

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This article explores the potential crossroads Max Verstappen faces at Red Bull Racing in 2024. With Eddie Jordan predicting a pivotal year for the Dutchman, it seems the reigning champion could leave the Formula 1 paddocks.

Featured image: Red Bull Content Pool

Adrien Conges
Adrien Conges
I grew up near Magny-Cours, an old Formula 1 circuit in France so I've been passionate about motorsport and automobiles since childhood. I currently live in Bordeaux, France and I'm still waiting for Ferrari to win a 17th F1 constructors' title.

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