Palmer: options on the table fo rf 1 return
After splitting with renault, brit has offers for 2018
Jolyon Palmer insists there are still options to stay in Formula 1 next season after splitting with the Renault team after the Japanese Grand Prix.
The British racer finished 12th in Suzuka, just missing out on a pointspaying finish in what was his last race with the Enstone squad. Palmer confirmed he would be finishing his term with Renault after qualifying on Saturday. The team will draft new signing Carlos Sainz Jr in for the final four races of the season, allowing the Spaniard an early release from Toro Rosso.
Palmer said he will use the break to look at his options. “It makes sense,” said the former GP2 champion when asked about the timing of the split. “It’s a shame I’m not going to [the next race in] Austin, but it’s been a funny old weekend knowing it was my last for the team.
“It’s been pretty clear, Carlos has signed for next year and Cyril [Abiteboul, Renault boss] made it clear he wanted him in the car this year as well. After this race it’s a couple of weeks and it made sense for it to be the time to part ways. It’s a shame to not finish the season as I’ve been here for a while, but I respect the decision and wish Carlos all the best for the future.
“For me, it’s a useful few weeks. I plan to go away, spend some time with family and think about the next step. I have options, both in and outside of F1. So let’s just wait and see what the future holds.”
Sainz’s move to Renault – facilitated as part of Mclaren’s deal to swap from Honda to Renault engines next year – leaves the line-up at Toro Rosso unclear for the remainder of the year.
Daniil Kvyat will be recalled for Austin, while Pierre Gasly has a clashing event as he is fighting for the Japanese Super Formula title, which has its season finale at Suzuka on the same weekend as the US GP.
Gasly is just 0.5 points off the lead with the Honda-powered Team Mugen squad. Honda initially suggested it wanted Gasly to finish the job in Super Formula, but has since softened and will now likely allow him to finish the F1 season, sacrificing the Super Formula title. “We believe Gasly should race in Austin with Toro Rosso and Formula 1,” said Honda’s motorsport boss Masashi Yamamoto. “We want him to race there but if there is anybody who can drive instead of Gasly in Austin, we’re happy to have him in Super Formula.”