Palmer learned of Sainz Renault deal on the internet

The team officially confirmed on Friday that the Spaniard will join Renault next season, on loan from Red Bull.

Palmer says he has nothing to lose in the final seven races of the season now that he knows that he is not staying at Renault.

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

"Of course I knew that with the job I've 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 felt the same way at times last year as well.

"I'm still focussed on trying to do the best I can every time I get in the car. Nothing changes, I still want to go out with my head held high, and finish the year as well as I can.

"There's nothing to lose. It's just a chance for me to show what I can do."

An attempt by Renault to replace Palmer with Sainz before the end of this year – possibly by the next race in Malaysia – has so far come to nothing, with sources suggesting that a solid contract is keeping him in the seat.

Asked if it was a strange situation to be with a team that didn't appear to want him, he said: "I don't know where you understand that from, but I'm just not going to comment on that."

Palmer insists that he has yet to turn his focus to 2018.

"I haven't though too much. I'm quite excited for next year, I know it'll be something different, I know what I'm not going to be doing. I've got a bit of time to try and decide. I'm not worried about anything in the future. It's an exciting time.

"Obviously I've only known this for not that long a time. I've been focussing on staying with Renault still.

"Now obviously that isn't happening, and I can look at other opportunities inside and outside of F1. I'm in no rush to decide what I'm going to do."