INDYCAR: 'It's no secret F1 is not an option' - Stevens

Former Manor Formula 1 driver Will Stevens is considering a switch to the Verizon IndyCar Series, among other championships, as he plots his next move in the sport.

"At the moment, we're exploring all avenues," Stevens told RACER. "I spend a lot of time in the States, know quite a few people there, so IndyCar is an option. We're looking at a lot of things, and it's no secret Formula 1 is not an option right now. So we're trying to stay open and look at the best avenue for career longevity."

Stevens is known to have been in contact with at least one IndyCar team, and with the FIA World Endurance Championship holding a greater interest for young drivers in search of quality racing, he has two prime series to consider. A return to F1, however, is clearly Stevens' top priority.

"If I'm totally honest, we're not giving up on F1, for sure," he said. "Over the next few years, there's going to be a lot of people coming out – retiring from the sport and going off to do other things, so we're still confident the people I've got behind me will want to look at it again in 2017.

"But I need to do something to keep me racing. I don't want to sit around and do nothing. At the moment I don't know what I'll be doing, but I'll be doing something."