Eddie Jordan oversaw his fair share of talent during his time as Formula 1 team owner and boss, including world champions and multiple race winners.
1996 champion Damon Hill delivered one of his four victories at the 1998 Belgian Grand Prix but found himself off the grid for good the year after.
Jordan went in the direction of younger talent, and Heinz Harald Frentzen nearly led them to a title the following year ahead of Michael Schumacher and Mika Hakkinen.
But, for some drivers, retirement age dawns on them a whole lot sooner than they expected, and that may just be the case for one of the talents on the 2024 grid.
Eddie Jordan claims Valtteri Bottas ‘has had his chance’ in Formula 1
After being snubbed by Sauber, it may be time that Valtteri Bottas forgets about Formula 1, and turns his focus to another area of motorsport if he wants to continue racing full-time.
Bottas has been with the struggling Swiss outfit for three seasons towards the back of the grid, since leaving Mercedes at the end of 2021.
Staggeringly, he won a championship in every season that he raced for them between 2017 and 2021, and they have failed to win anything of note since.
The Finn has been trending in an equally disappointing direction, resulting in him missing out on a full-time drive for 2025 and leaving his future in disarray.
READ MORE: Damon Hill shares what he’s heard about why Sauber signed Gabriel Bortoleto over Valtteri Bottas
Speaking on the Formula For Success podcast, Eddie Jordan pointed out that it might be time for the sport to move on from Bottas.
“Valtteri Bottas has had his chance. He was at Mercedes, he was with Lewis, he had a real, real good opportunity. Yes, he’s done a great job, but it’s time to move on.
“David, you and me we’re not on Top Gear anymore because I’m too old and I got a job.”
Where could Bottas go next?
There are a few options left for the Finn if he wants to keep racing, and also an option if he wants to remain on the Formula 1 scene.
Guenther Steiner is unsure that a Bottas Mercedes return as a reserve driver would work, but he does have extensive knowledge of team operations.
However, he would be missing out on competing altogether and that’s something which Bottas loves to do – regularly competing in triathlons outside of racing.
READ MORE: Bottas admits ‘stupid’ decision in 2025 talks after Sauber ejection
A move to North America and IndyCar to remain in single-seaters could be an option, but there are only five openings left in the series for 2025, all of which are with midfield teams.
The World Endurance Championship has been a haven for ex-Formula 1 drivers before, so a Hypercar entry there would be a fascinating watch too, but it all boils down to what Bottas wants to do in the future.
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