Jaime Alguersuari. Photo credit: Red Bull GEPA
Jaime Alguersuari says he was surprised by STR's decision not to retain him for 2012, but maintained a positive attitude when interviewed on Wednesday.
Alguersuari, 21, made his debut in the 2009 Hungarian Grand Prix and had his best season in 2011, finishing 14th in the championship.
Despite that, it was announced that Jean Eric Vergne and Daniel Ricciardo will replace Alguersuari and Sebastien Buemi.
"A week ago I talked with Helmut Marko and Franz Tost and they told me that they had plans for me with a view to 2012. They did it with enthusiasm and showed me much confidence, they also asked me to be in Madrid on Monday, for a day with CEPSA [an STR sponsor] where I talked about our F1 project in 2012.
"I thought that they were crazy making me debut in 2009 at 19 years and three months, without ever having completed a mile in F1 before. Today's news seemed like the greatest misunderstanding during the best moment of my sporting life."
Alguersuari refused to criticise Red Bull and thanked them for helping his career.
"Red Bull gave me everything since I was 15. I've trained with them and I'm a complete driver in F1 now. I'm not a victim, because for seven years I have enjoyed the privilege of being in the best team in the world with the best resources.
"I do not consider what happened is a tragedy, because I have many plans for the present and future: both professional and sporting. The surprise lasted for a couple of hours, I just needed to talk to my family. I was watching the street in Madrid, and I realized that life is full of opportunities and challenges.
"When I came to Barcelona on the AVE [train] and read the newspapers, they pointed out that there are five million unemployed in Spain. We can only return to this country with confidence and optimism, thinking of fighting and improving every day. And that's what I will do from tomorrow, I promise to all the fans and I appreciate their support."
Alguersuari also took to Twitter to show his positive atmosphere, saying he will focus on his future and enjoy the festive period.
