There had been rumours that Palmer was set to leave Renault before the season was finished, but it looked like if it was going to happen it was going to be at the Malaysian GP weekend.
Now he’s announced that his season with Renault will be coming to an end early after all, as he announced it (bizarrely) on his Instagram after qualifying in Japan.
The decision was apparently a mutual agreement between Palmer and the team. Team boss Cyril Abiteboul said:
“I would like to thank Jolyon for his commitment to the team and his professionalism. Since Renault’s return to Formula 1, Jolyon has been highly dedicated in an evolving environment. He has shown great personal qualities and we wish him all the best in his future career”
It means Carlos Sainz will join Renault early for the US Grand Prix, allowing Pierre Gasly to stay at Toro Rosso while Daniil Kvyat gets his drive back.
