Palmer 'in no rush' to define 2018 racing plans

Jolyon Palmer says he is in "no rush" to define his racing plans for the 2018 season after losing his Formula 1 drive with Renault earlier this week.

Renault announced on Friday it had signed Carlos Sainz Jr. on loan from Red Bull to partner Nico Hulkenberg next season, leaving Palmer without a seat for next year.

With few options to remain in F1 for 2018 remaining, Palmer may be forced out of the sport, but the 2014 GP2 champion is relaxed and upbeat about what next year will hold.

"I haven’t thought too much [about my future]. I’m quite excited for next year," Palmer said.

"It’ll certainly be something different for sure. I know what I’m not going to be doing. We’ll have a bit of time to try and decide.

"I’m not worried about anything in the future. We’ll see, it’s an exciting time."

Following Force India's confirmation of Sergio Perez and Esteban Ocon for 2018 on Sunday, the only free seats for next year are at Williams, McLaren, Sauber and Toro Rosso.

Williams is the most feasible option for Palmer, given its requirement for a driver over 25 to meet sponsor Martini's requirements, although he is unsure whether a move would be possible.

"I don’t know at the moment. We’ll have to see," Palmer said.

"I need to have a think for myself as well. Of course Williams is a great team, a team that I grew up supporting, a good old British team that my dad drove for as well. We’ll have to see.

"I have a little bit of time to think. Obviously I’ve only known this for not that long a time, so I’ve been focusing on staying with Renault still.

"Now obviously that’s not happening, so I can look at other opportunities inside or outside of F1."

When asked by Crash.net if drives in Formula E or WEC would be of interest, Palmer said: "I don’t know. I don’t know at the moment. I have time to think about it.

"I’m in no rush to decide what I’m going to do. I’ll have to wait and see."