Now mere hours before the engines are fired up in Melbourne, Paul di Resta still has not secured a new F1 role for 2014.
Having lost his Force India seat and secured a return to the DTM series this year, the Scot was hoping to become Mercedes’ new F1 reserve driver.
"I hope he gets that opportunity," former F1 driver David Coulthard told the Scotsman newspaper recently.
"If he doesn’t, it might be difficult to find his way back into F1, simply because of the political and financial nature of the business."
Now, two days before practice kicks off at Albert Park for the 2014 season opener, di Resta admits he has "nothing yet" lined up with DTM employer Mercedes’ F1 programme.
"My desire is to be involved in formula one in some way, shape or form," the 27-year-old told the PA Sport news agency.
"Staying as actively as you can in the sport is important, and if there is any chance to get back then hopefully that can happen," di Resta added.
"Obviously I’m sad not to be there (in Melbourne), but I’m planning on trying to get to a few races, and when it comes back to Europe it will be far easier."