Jolyon Palmer has admitted that he is eyeing a potential switch to Indycar for 2018.
After a tough couple of seasons with Renault, the son of former Formula 1 driver Jonathan Palmer will be replaced by Carlos Sainz next year.
Palmer, 26, admits that it could be the end of his F1 career for now.
"If I leave Formula 1 at the end of the year, a new chapter will begin," he told reporters.
"I will do everything to ensure the project is for the long term."
The leading rumour is that Palmer and his father are putting together a package to move across the Atlantic to America's top open-wheeler category.
"Formula 1 is an excellent series and I would like to stay," he said, "but if you do not have financial guarantees or you're not one of the top drivers, then every year you feel the pressure.
"I want to be in a series where I have a long-term contract and can enjoy the racing.
"Let's see what happens. At the moment I don't have a plan, only different options that need to be considered."
Palmer has been linked with a move to Williams, but insiders do not believe he is a serious candidate to replace Felipe Massa next year.
"That team has a vacancy that several drivers are being linked to. There are chances and I'll do my best, but I don't want to rely only on that option," he said.
The 2017 F1 seasons continues with the Malaysian Grand Prix on Sunday.
