Japanese Formula One driver Kamui Kobayashi said on Tuesday he would sit out the 2013 season after being unable to find a team to drive for.

The 26-year-old had been part of the Sauber-Ferrari team since the 2010 season, but left after being replaced by Esteban Gutierrez.

"I was in the position to bring a budget of €8-million (R90-million; $10.5-million) at least," he wrote on his official website.

"Unfortunately, I am not able to secure a seat with a competitive F1 team for 2013."

Kobayashi had collected around €8-million in corporate sponsorship and donations from fans as he sought to buy his way into a team.

He said he would now stop soliciting donations and turn his attention to securing a seat in 2014.

"I have no interest in racing in any other category," added Kobayashi, who became only the third Japanese driver to mount a Formula One podium when he finished third at the Japanese Grand Prix in Suzuka in October.

Formula One does not have a large following in Japan, and the races are not shown live on television.