Felipe Nasr loses Banco do Brasil backing

Felipe Nasr's chances of staying in Formula 1 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."

In Abu Dhabi, Nasr denied that his sponsorship issues are related to his struggle to hang on to his Sauber seat.

"I do not think about this option," he said when asked about the possibility of exiting F1 after two seasons.

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."

Nasr has picked up two points during the 2015 championship.