Kovalainen admitted he is looking for other options in F1 and beyond, but says he has been asked for money to stay in grand prix racing and dislikes that approach.
"It won't be the end, whatever happens. I have a life. I'm not going to go and kill myself," he said. "Of course we are looking at the options, outside F1 as well, but also in F1.
"But even the other options require some money, and I don't want to go that route. I told my manager not to actively find money. I don't think it leads to anything.
"If you have a big backer like Santander that went with you to a team it's a different thing. But to collect the money for one season doesn't do anything. It's not what it's all about.
"I just don't think there is a structure for it. I think there needs to be a clear plan to go and find money to race in the middle of the grid. It doesn't appeal to me."