The Dutchman with one of the largest fan clubs in Formula1 dropped out of the reckoning in 1999 after driving 48 Grands Prix in four years. In 1997 he struggled to produce results in the feeble Tyrrell Ford, qualifying in 14th at Canada but more often than not starting from the back two rows of the grid. He never looked like adding to his collection of 11 championship points (10 of which came in his first season at Bennetton), although the best finish he managed was eighth in Monaco, despite a couple of spins. The latter stages of the season saw improved car reliability but little chance of points.

In 1998 he replaced Jan Magnussen at Stewart Ford in time for the French GP and was hoping to show some of the form from his debut season in 1994. Unfortunately it was not to be and he was consigned to the ranks of the Formula1 has-beens, testing with Honda while they were still thinking of running their own team in 1999. When this opportunity fell through Verstappen worked hard to get a drive for 2000 and was pleased to taken on by Arrows, who appear to have a vastly improved car for the coming season.

He has to prove his worth once and for all this year as it is unlikely he will get another chance should this one fall through.