Palmer found out about Renault sacking in online article

Jolyon Palmer has revealed that he first learned Renault would be dropping him for the 2017 Formula 1 season when he read about it in an article online.

Palmer has been under pressure for much of his season-and-a-half stint in F1 with Renault, having scored just a single point from 32 grand prix starts.

Renault announced on Friday in Singapore that Red Bull youngster Carlos Sainz Jr. would be joining on loan for the 2018 season alongside Nico Hulkenberg, leaving Palmer without a seat.

Reports that Sainz would replace Palmer first arose in the week leading up to the Singapore Grand Prix as part of the complex negotiations involving Renault, Honda, McLaren and Toro Rosso about their various engine supplies for 2018.

When asked how he found out about being dropped, Palmer revealed it was when he first read these reports.

"I knew when I read it on Autosport, and then I knew it was true as well, I spoke to some people. That was it," Palmer said.

"Of course I knew with the job I’d done this year, the team is looking for other people, because it’s been a tough year. But you never know until it’s over. I could have thought the same thing last year at times as well. So you have to dig in and do the best you can, and I’m still going to do the same.

"I’m going to give it my all and seven races like I said to do the best I can and even though I’m not staying here and I’ve got no chance to stay here, nothing changes from a performance point of view."

Palmer admitted he was disappointed to not be informed by the team first of its decision, but wasn't going to dwell on it.

"It was a bit of a shame. I don’t even know who leaked it to the media, but the media have their ways, I know," Palmer said.

"It doesn’t change the outcome, to be honest."