Rubens Barrichello has revealed he is unlikely to race out of formula one over an argument about money.
It is believed Kimi Raikkonen’s talks with Williams ended suddenly because the parties could not agree on the size of the Finn’s retainer.
"I don’t need a big contract," 39-year-old Barrichello is quoted by Brazil’s Globo, with the report claiming the veteran had ruled out settling for a seat at HRT, Virgin or Caterham.
"All I need is to drive something next year that is competitive."
It is possible Interlagos was Barrichello’s last ever grand prix, and so the cameras duly captured him waving to his countrymen on the slowing down lap.
"The only thing is that the fans might have thought I was saying goodbye, but I was just waving. I know I’ll be back and I feel almost like I deserve to," he said.
"In F1, many people come and go because the pressure is so big, which is a situation unlike in F3 or GP2.
"Several fast drivers quit because they didn’t feel happy. When Montoya left all he said was that F1 sucks, but I love it," said Barrichello.
Another Brazilian fighting to stay on the grid next year is Bruno Senna.
"I know I made some mistakes," said the 28-year-old, who was drafted in by Renault mid-season to replace Nick Heidfeld.
"I did not score 10 out of 10 but I think it was not bad. I hope that the people deciding the places for next year also think so. I was very rusty," added Senna.