Vergne is considering F1 for 2015 but not only that

Jean-Eric Vergne will no longer be with Toro Rosso in 2015, having been replaced by Max Verstappen, but the Frenchman hopes to still continue his career in Formula 1.

Even if the number of seats is limited, Vergne wants to continue racing at the pinnacle of motorsport, but he has admitted, as quoted by Autosport, that he could just as well consider other categories – like Endurance and thus follow the path of Sébastien Buemi, former Toro Rosso driver and current Toyota driver: « There are so many drivers who want to focus on F1 and get nowhere. So I’m not stupid – I keep my eyes open. »

Even if, to stay in F1, the native of Pontoise could settle for a role as a reserve or test driver, he prefers to have the opportunity to continue racing: « I would love to race. It depends on the chance I would have to drive in a race, but for the moment, my goal is to secure a main seat. »

Vergne believes he has always been at the same level as Daniel Ricciardo throughout their association, whether in Formula Renault 3.5 or in F1 at Toro Rosso, and thinks that the Australian’s performances show that he also has the level to remain in F1: « It’s hard to say [if I could stay in F1]. If decision-makers in certain teams believe in me, and think that I can do it [then I would have a chance]. Spending three years here [at Toro Rosso] has made me stronger. Daniel [Ricciardo] helped me in a way because some teams are looking for world champion drivers, but maybe [the future] is not for world champions, but for young drivers who are hungry and motivated, exactly what I am. When you look at my results compared to Daniel’s throughout our career, I have the potential to do what he’s doing. »