 Verstappen is still trying to line up a drive for 2004 |
Jos Verstappen will not race for Minardi next season, the Dutch driver's major sponsor has confirmed. The announcement by Dutch technology company Trust follows Minardi's decision to offer Hungarian Zsolt Baumgartner the drive.
"It has been definitively decided Jos will not be part of the Minardi team," a statement from Trust read.
Jordan are now Verstappen's only hope of staying in Formula One as no other team has a vacancy.
Trust added that, along with Verstappen and his management, it lacked confidence in Minardi's ability to improve the car's performance next season.
"After many exhaustive discussions between Paul Stoddart, Trust and Jos's management about the developments within and the future of the Minardi F1 team, it has been definitively decided not to be part of the Minardi F1 team for another season," Trust added.
"All possibilities for Jos within the team have been discussed and looked into in all detail."
Minardi boss Paul Stoddart had already admitted on Thursday that it was "90%" certain Baumgartner would get the remaining spot at Minardi.
But he also left the door open, saying: "It is a provisional deal. Jos has still got an outside chance here if something goes wrong."
Verstappen drove for Minardi last season and brought considerable sponsorship with him.