Felipe Nasr’s chances of staying in F1 next year have nose-dived.
Amid the economic situation in Brazil, the Sauber driver’s sponsor, Banco do Brasil, has announced its withdrawal from the sport.
"Banco do Brasil recognises Felipe Nasr’s talent and is proud to be the sponsor responsible for his entry into formula one," it announced.
"But due to budget constraints and marketing strategies, it was necessary to review the investment in the category at this time," Banco do Brasil added.
In Abu Dhabi, Nasr denied his sponsorship issues are related to his struggle to hang onto his Sauber seat.
"I do not think about this option," he said when asked about the possibility of exiting F1 after two seasons.
And when asked if his manager Steve Robertson is in talks with Manor about the only other vacant cockpits for 2017, he told Globo Esporte: "I don’t know.
"He’ll be here this weekend so you can ask him."