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Nasr argues his own case for 2017

Felipe Nasr believes the two years he has spent in Formula 1 and the performance he has shown warrant that the Brazilian remain on the 2017 grid.

Nasr is still on the sidelines with regard to his agenda for next year, with talks still ongoing at Sauber to which the Brazilian brought the Swiss team its only championship points this season.

Clearly, the 24-year-old from Brasilia reckons he deserves as much as anyone to remain a Grand Prix driver in 2017.

"I feel like I did everything I could to deserve a place," Nasr told Autosport.

"I have been able to deliver the results that I think Formula 1 is looking for. When the opportunity came I was there to take it, there to take points for the team.

"In my first year I scored 27 points for the team, which put us ahead of McLaren last year. This year even with all the difficulties we faced, every time I had an opportunity in the race to take it we came very close to [scoring points], and in Brazil, we did it.

"Just putting in a balance over two years, I was there to deliver what the teams are looking for. So obviously I would be pretty disappointed if we're not here next year."

Sauber boss Monisha Kaltenborn is seeking a budget for the team's vacant seat alongside Marcus Ericsson, but Nasr validly argues that his points finish in Brazil will bring a hefty financial windfall to the Hinwill-based outfit.

"I would say this counts a lot. I'm giving the team an extra boost for '17, we know how much that prize money counts.

"It's the best ever budget I could find the team. There's no other such sponsorship better than this, which is delivering results.

"I did quite a lot when it came to delivering results but I also feel that I want to achieve a lot more. I want to be a world champion one day and it takes a lot of hard work.

"It takes a lot of commitment, it takes a lot of dedication and you need time for these things to develop. It's still my Plan A."

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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.