Sauber’s Nico Huelkenberg says he wants a clear word on his Formula One future by the end of the month.
“I’ve not set a deadline, that was a misunderstanding and someone didn’t lay it out correctly,” the 26-year-old German said Thursday in Suzuka ahead of Sunday’s Japanese Grand Prix.
“But what I have said is that I would like clarification or certainty by the end of October.” Huelkenberg has been linked with a move to Lotus as a replacement for Kimi Raikkonen, who leaves at the end of the season for Ferrari.
Force India are also reported to be interested in re-signing the driver, who at Sunday’s Korean Grand clinched a career-best fourth place.
Huelkenberg made his Formula One debut with Williams in 2010 but was released at the end of the season despite good performances.
He was a reserve driver for Force India in 2011 before becoming one of the team’s two main drivers last season.
A possible switch with fellow German Adrian Sutil has been mooted amid paddock speculation, but Sutil -- whose future with Force India is also unclear -- has denied talks with Sauber.
“It would be fine for me to drive here for another season -- it is one of the best teams, but no decision has been reached,” Sutil said.
