Felipe Nasr has lashed out at those who believe he owes his F1 seat at Sauber to the considerable monies which have followed his trail to the Swiss team.
The 22-year-old Brazilian graduated to Grand Prix racing this season after winning in British Formula 3 and finishing third in the GP2 series.
While his entry at Sauber was certainly facilitated by the £12m sponsorship budget provided by Banco do Brasil, Nasr refuses to be labeled a 'pay driver', and insists his relationship with his homeland institution is a partnership built on a long term strategy.
"I think it is quite stupid that people think that way. It is really a short way of thinking because I think more countries should follow this example of supporting their own drivers,” Nasr told Sky Sports.
“I have been together with Banco do Brasil for the last four or five years, we had a project on my career and we went through every step and I am glad to say I have never had to pay to race."
Nasr has acquitted himself well for his debut season at the pinnacle of the sport and is seen by many as this year's main revelation, which bodes well for his future in F1.
"When I was 16 I had offers from Red Bull, from Gravity, from other junior programmes, but I chose to go with Steve Robertson and I am still working with him nowadays. By the age of 16 I had my own car, my own salary, my own house, I didn't have to pay for any championship I participated in."
"I think more people should follow this example and have these kind of companies supporting their own drivers. I think people are just interpreting it in the wrong way."
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