The past few weeks, the talk of the town has been ‘What Next for Jolyon Palmer?’. It was no secret that He would no longer be on the grid in 2018. But there were rumours fluttering around that he could leave the sport as early as after the Malaysian GP. When he arrived in Japan, those rumour were put to bed. Or were they? Then came the bombshell, he was leaving the sport, effective after Japan. So what are the implications of Palmer’s sudden Renault departure?

Palmer said “It’s time to say goodbye. I wouldn’t say there is any relief – it has been a tough season, but I would have loved to see out the season. Some things I can’t control, but of course I’d have wanted it to go better my end as well. A lot of thanks, first to the guys in the garage – they’ve done a really good job all season, repaired my car a fair few times as well. The engineers, I’ve had a great working relationship with them. It’s a shame it’s not worked out, but I can’t fault them, and as people we’ve had a lot of fun in the meantime. I’ll miss friends here.”

He wish the team the best of luck in their future endeavours. The Briton even wished the best for incumbent driver Carlos as well. Palmer admitted that he didn’t know what his next move is. He mused, that when he is on the plane on the way home the fact that he’s not returning to Renault will certainly sink in.

How will the Grid Form after Jo’s Renault Departure?

So with the way things will play out, Sainz Jr will jump ship to Renault. Daniil Kvyat will return to the Toro Rosso team to partner Pierre Gasly. Meanwhile, Jolyon Palmer will catch the next flight back home. Where he will be in 2018, is anyone’s guess.