Much to the surprise of all, and completely out of the blue, Eddie 'released' his most successful driver of all time, days before the Hockenheim race. Two weeks earlier, the driver and team owner had issued a joint statement confirming that they would stay together until the end of 2002, but a poor performance by Frentzen at the British Grand Prix would appear to have led Eddie to have a 180 degree about turn. Frentzen has refused to comment on the events leading up to the sacking, just saying he had no advanced warning, he was taking legal advice and the matter would be settled in court.
The $7.5million sum would appear to be made up of his earnings for the rest of 2001 and potential earnings for all of 2002 - the length of his contract with Jordan.

Eddie has since commented that there were several breaches of contract that allowed him to release his driver, in his view without penalty.