Felipe Nasr says Nico Rosberg’s shock decision to retire improves his chances of staying in F1 next year.
Until Rosberg’s shock news, the Brazilian looked set to lose his place at Sauber, following the departure of his major backer Banco do Brasil.
But with Mercedes now shaking up the driver market with its eleventh hour search to replace Rosberg, Nasr admitted it is also an opportunity for him.
"Someone will have to fill his space," he told Globo.
"This should generate some movement in the market. Because of this situation, we have gained a little time to keep working here in Brazil."
Nasr admitted that his best chances of staying in F1 are with Sauber or Manor.
He confirmed: "We have spoken with both Sauber and Manor. But my priority is Sauber, due to my closeness to the team."
However, Sauber was listed on the provisional 2017 entry list as having confirmed only Marcus Ericsson, and Nasr admitted: "They are still looking for a driver who can bring in partners, despite what I did."
He is referring to the fact that his late-season points is a financial windfall for Sauber, as the team passed Manor for tenth place in the championship.
"That ninth place was like a victory," said Nasr. "It’s just like a sponsor, right? I could not have arranged a better sponsorship for the team!"