Nico Hulkenberg can "accept" his Formula 1 career would be over after 2019 if he fails to find a seat.

Considered as a driver who never got his big break, the decision of Renault to replace the German with Esteban Ocon has left Nico on the brink of a disappointing exit.

An initial option at Haas didn't appeal and Alfa Romeo appear set to continue with Antonio Giovinazzi due to the influence of Ferrari.

Though this wouldn't be the first Hulkenberg has been left without a seat in F1, he admits a future return at what would be approaching 34 is unlikely. 

"At the beginning of my career, after 2010, it was possible, but now, towards the end of my career? I doubt it," he said.

"Sometimes it is suggested from the outside that I am very desperate to stay in Formula 1. That's wrong!

"I love Formula 1, I love racing and I really want to continue.

"But if it is not possible, then, unfortunately, it's the case, you have to accept that. I've had 10 good years of ups and downs, I've seen everything, if that's the case then it's the case, I'll handle that."

Also Read:

• Hulkenberg hasn't given non-F1 options 'much thought' for 2020 
• Rosberg still sees 2020 hope at Red Bull for 'best choice' Hulkenberg
• Hulkenberg at ease with F1 career as possible exit looms

One team that does have a seat for 2020 but hasn't been mentioned is Williams, mostly due to their close connection to Nicholas Latifi and the need for a driver with financial backing.

In Austin this week, Nico also ruled out any potential interest in joining the squad where he made his F1 debut.

"I think they need somebody else," he said. “I think I’m not the right person, the right driver for them.

"Where I am in my career, where they are, and the timings, I just don’t think it’s the right timing for us.

"With all due respect to the team, and obviously I’ve raced for them and everything, but I don’t think that’s going to happen."

That then only leaves one more F1 alternative at Red Bull, and while that might seem the most unlikely, frustratingly, there is some smoke coming from the rumour.

Publicly, the line is Alex Albon has the seat in the palm of his hand and just needs to continue producing results to earn a 2020 contract.

Privately, however, InsideRacing has been told some within Red Bull want Hulkenberg but the power of Helmut Marko is giving Albon the edge.

Even here though the situation is muddy because the Austrian had previously put a deadline of the US Grand Prix to make a decision but that is no longer the case.

After Mexico, a Dutch F1 journalist, Jack Plooij, also added to the Hulkenberg hype train.

“Everybody is saying that Albon is doing well, but if you want to become world champion then you need to be much better than this and score more points than your teammate especially when he makes mistakes.

“For this reason, Red Bull are thinking to put a more experienced driver alongside Verstappen.”

Though the likelihood still remains small, while ever no final decision has been made you have to say Hulkenberg's chances are not zero.