Ericsson exploring other racing options for 2019 season

Marcus Ericsson has confirmed he is exploring other racing options for the 2019 season after losing his full-time Formula 1 seat with Alfa Romeo Sauber.

Sauber confirmed on Tuesday that Ferrari-backed youngster Antonio Giovinazzi would be joining Kimi Raikkonen in its full-season line-up for 2019, marking a fresh roster for the Swiss team.

It confirmed Ericsson’s departure from Sauber’s race line-up after four full seasons, but the team announced that the Swedish driver would be staying on as its third driver and a brand ambassador next year.

Ericsson posted a message to Twitter in which he thanked fans for their support, as well as confirming he would be continuing to explore racing options for next year alongside his Sauber role.

“Regarding today’s news, I’m proud of what I’ve achieved in these last years in F1. I’ve always given my 100%, putting my heart and soul into it,” Ericsson wrote.

“I will continue in the same spirit, aiming to finish the season on a high! And I’m happy to continue working with Alfa Romeo Sauber F1 team next year in a new role.

“I’m always excited about exploring other racing options. Today is not the end of the story, it’s just the start of a new chapter. Thanks for all your support.”

Ericsson has only raced in single-seaters through his racing career, spending four seasons in GP2 ahead of his graduation to F1 with Caterham in 2014.