F1 Driver Learned His Race Team Was Replacing Him By Reading It On The Internet

Some of us have jobs on the internet, and therefore, critical communication online is normal. But no matter the job, most would probably tell you it's better to hear the really important things, like, oh, you've been fired, straight from the bosses rather than reading it in an article along with everyone else.

Sorry! Life doesn't always work that way. Renault Formula One driver Jolyon Palmer told Motorsport.com he first heard about Toro Rosso driver Carlos Sainz Jr.'s one-year deal with his race team on the internet, where he also learned that he'd be out of a ride with the team.

Geez, Renault, could you at least send a breakup text first? From Motorsport.com:

"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."

Motorsport.com reported an attempt by Renault to replace Palmer with Sainz before the end of the year, but the story said it hasn't materialized with "sources suggesting that a solid contract is keeping [Palmer] in the seat."

Scratch the whole "the McLaren-Honda F1 split sounds like that polarizing high-school relationship everybody kept tabs on" thing from yesterday, because this is even better. From Motorsport.com:

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.

Formula One awkwardness is the gift that keeps on giving. Where do we send the thank-you cards?