Palmer shrugs off Sainz replacement claims

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Despite facing F1's heavy head winds, Jolyon Palmer is firmly holding on to his Renault seat, discarding any short term change.

Reports are shoving Palmer out of the French manufacturer's works team and pushing in Carlos Sainz as a result of Renault's convoluted deal to switch its engine supply from Toro Rosso to McLaren.

But the 26-year-old, who has undeniably struggled this season in the yellow car, is rubbishing the rumors.

"I’ve got seven races to do," he said on Thursday in Singapore.

"I’ll be in Malaysia, I’ll be racing until Abu Dhabi. I have a contract, I’ve got seven more races this year."

Sainz remains mum on Renault move

Speculation over Palmer's future has been incessant this year, with pundits already claiming at Silverstone that he would lose his seat to Sainz in Hungary.

That prospect never materialized and Malaysia will go the same way insist the Briton.

"There’s been suggestions for I think 35 races that I might not be at the next one or in the next few,” said Palmer.

"This is nothing new for me, it’s water off a duck’s back now. It’s been the same at most races this year and nothing changed.

"I'm focused on doing the best I can in the car," he concluded.

"I'm excited for the future, whatever it holds it will be different, so we'll wait and see what happens."

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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.