Daniil Kvyat is not denying paddock rumours in Austin that he is in the running to replace Nico Hulkenberg at Force India for 2017.
The young Russian and current Toro Rosso driver has had an up and down season in the Red Bull camp, but he has seemed back in form and happier at recent races.
When asked about the Force India rumours, Kvyat said: "I have only one goal — to stay in formula one. I don’t want to think about anything else.
"Now there are various rumours, but it will be discussed behind closed doors. I have great respect for Red Bull and I’m loyal to them.
"My goal is to compete in formula one. Which team it will be, let’s see. I myself would like to have more information," he added.
Indeed, Red Bull has a reputation for fiercely guarding its often long-term contracts with drivers it has developed, but Kvyat indicated that paperwork may not be a high hurdle.
"Honestly, we are all humans and you can always talk to someone else," said the 22-year-old.
"As I said, my priority is Red Bull and they are still the first that I will negotiate with. After that, we will make a decision about the future."
Told that his situation might be similar to Sergio Perez’s, after the Mexican was able to rebuild his tattered post-McLaren career at Force India, Kvyat did not disagree.
"Of course there are many different options, but let’s wait and see how the situation will develop," said Kvyat.
"Soon, everything will become clear, but I’m looking for a car with which I can show what I am capable of.
"Toro Rosso is a fantastic team, we are like a family, but everything will depend on Red Bull. If they tell me ’no’, then I have to go somewhere else," he added.