Jerome d’Ambrosio has admitted it was a lack of financial support that drove him off the grid with Virgin/Marussia.
A rookie in 2011, he has been replaced ahead of the team’s next campaign by young Frenchman Charles Pic, who is handled by former grand prix drivers Eric Bernard and Olivier Panis, and the Lagardere Unlimited group.
It is rumoured Belgian d’Ambrosio is now a contender to be the third driver next year at Lotus, the team headed by his manager Eric Boullier.
"That’s a good question. I don’t know why I lost my seat," the 25-year-old said on Belgian television Sporza during a karting event in Paris.
"I think Charles’ total package was better than mine. You need strong sponsors from your own country; Charles Pic has France, Maldonado has Venezuela and I have Belgium.
"The interest in Belgium is in the right direction, but it’s still not enough to stay in formula one."
Some reports have hinted at talks with Williams or HRT.
"You really want me to name names, don’t you? Obviously I’m negotiating with several teams," he answered.