Jordan stands pat: Hamilton will move to Ferrari!

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Eddie Jordan - Formula 1's resident oracle - remains convinced that Lewis Hamilton will join Ferrari in 2021, while the former team owner sees Sebastian Vettel either moving to McLaren or leaving F1.

Jordan the druid, whose track record as a prophet is a mixed bag of previsions, contends that money will ultimately lure Hamilton to the golden gates of Maranello, although the six-time world champion has repeatedly made clear that Mercedes remains his "dream team" while money is a secondary consideration in the twilight of his career.

"Lewis will switch to Ferrari," the Irishman told f1-insider.com. "Only the Italians can still afford his salary and they know that he is worth it.

"Verstappen will stay with Red Bull and try to beat Lewis. But that will be very difficult."

Hamilton: Final period of racing life not about money

Earlier this year, Ferrari locked Charles Leclerc into a five-year contract that runs until the end of 2024. So Hamilton's move to the Scuderia would entail Vettel's departure.

The German driver is rumored to have been offered a one-year deal with the Scuderia, but with a significant pay cut.

Jordan's guess is that the four-time world champion will move to McLaren or call it a day on his career in F1.

"Unlike Lewis Hamilton, I don’t know Vettel very well, but in my opinion he has no choice but to stop or switch to McLaren," Jordan said. "The train at Ferrari has long left for him."

Jordan also chimed in on the future of F1's manufacturers in the context of the current coronavirus crisis that is impacting the sport.

"I am convinced that manufacturers like Mercedes, Honda and maybe Renault will pull the ripcord and will end their Formula 1 commitment in the next two years," he suggested.

"The Mercedes leadership cannot do anything else. They have achieved everything, won everything. Under these circumstances, they can no longer promote further successes.

"They will sell their team, perhaps to Lawrence Stroll, who aims to become world champion with his son and his new Aston Martin brand. And that indeed will be difficult with his current Racing Point team."

You heard it all from Eddie first…

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.