Sauber's Marcus Ericsson feels he has been driving with less pressure after being given the news he would be moved to the reserve driver position for the Swiss outfit for the 2019 season.
The Swede has been with the Hinwil-based team for the past four seasons after a tough debut campaign with the struggling Caterham team in 2014.
Ericsson was overlooked in favour of Kimi Raikkonen and Antonio Giovinazzi, though will remain affiliated with Sauber as reserve and brand ambassador.
"When I learned of the decision it was obviously a very disappointing feeling, I want to be here, but then when I sort of accepted it, in a way it’s a bit less pressure," said the 28-year old.
"I want to try and enjoy these last few races of the season, but also you go out and you just drive. You go out there and enjoy the driving without that pressure.
"Of course you’re driving for your future because I’m trying to get a drive somewhere and I want to show myself in the best possible way, but it is a bit different – the feeling inside myself – compared to when I was racing for the contract here."
Ericsson has admitted he is talking to a few teams in the IndyCar series about a possible seat for the 2019 season, aiming to keep himself race sharp and racing high-level single-seater cars while he is not in F1.
"We’re talking to some teams there," added the Swede. "I think it’s a realistic target. We also are talking to teams in other categories as well.
"For me, I want to race at the highest level possible because I see myself coming back to Formula 1 in the future as well, and to be able to come back to Formula 1, I think I want to stay in single-seaters and I want to stay in fast cars.
"Looking at how it is at the moment in motorsport, for me IndyCar is the one that is the best series to do that in."
