Palmer on Williams seat: 'There's still a chance'

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Jolyon Palmer is determined to fight to the bitter end of his F1 season in order to remain on the grid for 2018, although his chances are fading fast.

The 26-year-old was predictably informed by Renault that he did not figure in the manufacturer's plans for next season following its decision to hire Toro Rosso's Carlos Sainz.

While several seats theoretically remain up for grabs for 2018 - at McLaren, Toro Rosso, Sauber and Williams - only the latter appears reasonably possible for Palmer, and even that opportunity appears unlikely.

Williams has apparently narrowed its choice for 2018 to three drivers: Felipe Massa, Paul di Resta and Robert Kubica.

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The Grove-based recently said that it would take its time to decide who would race alongside Lance Stroll next year.

"I think there is a chance (at Williams)," Palmer said in Malaysia.

"I don't think they have confirmed their plans but I don't know to be honest. I'm just focused on making the best of every race.

"As far as I can see there is one other seat and a few drivers going for it.

"There is a chance (of staying in F1) but I'm not putting anything on it, it is just about me doing the best I can and seeing what unfolds.

"I'm just obviously looking at the options, but at the moment I'm focused on the best job I can do now."

Should F1 turn its back on Palmer, a likely prospect unfortunately at this stage, he would seek greener pastures elsewhere.

"If I’m out of F1 at the end of the year then it’ll be a new chapter and I’d obviously want to put everything into it and be there for the longer term,” Palmer said.

"I think that F1 is great and I’d love to stay in it but it is, every year, there’s a fine line to it - unless you’re in a safe seat, in one of the top drives then everyone’s on a year-by-year under pressure.

"So I think I just want somewhere where I’ll enjoy my racing and focus on the longer term."

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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.