Nasr return to F1 hindered by lack of teams

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Former Sauber driver Felipe Nasr is still hopeful of returning to the F1 grid, although a lack of opportunity isn't helping his endeavour.

Nasr raced for two seasons in Formula 1, exclusively for Sauber, and even brought the Swiss outfit its only points last season when he finished ninth in his home race, the Brazilian Grand Prix.

The 24-year-old lost his seat however over the winter to Mercedes protégé Pascal Wehrlein, but the Brazilian hasn't lost all hope of returning to Grand Prix racing.

"I’m still looking at options out there," Nasr told Motorsport.com last weekend at Silverstone.

"The good thing is that I’ve been driving different cars in the past few months. I’ve been keeping fit, and it’s been nice to be in a racing car again.

"I still feel capable of being back here [in F1], and I’m looking at opportunities for 2018.

"Of course, F1 is Plan A, but there’s a lot of Plan Bs. It could be IndyCar, Formula E or WEC, these are all series that caught my attention.

"I’ll definitely be looking to try all I can before I make any commitments or any decisions."

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With just ten teams currently on the grid, opportunities are few and far between for former drivers like Nasr or new talent seeking to join the pinnacle of racing.

"It's difficult," Nasr admitted.

"It would be nice to see one or two more teams around, not only for myself, but any up-and-coming driver that wants to step up to F1.

"But things can change very quickly as well. The important thing is I’m fit. I did everything I could to be ready for this year, and I know I can jump in any car any time, and show that I’m competitive still.

éIt’s not easy to be out of the car, that’s for sure! But I don’t have any regrets. There’s a time for everything in life, and the important thing is that I’m ready, and I’ll make a decision pretty soon."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.