Esteban Gutierrez insists he has 'several alternatives' to stay in F1 next season

Esteban Gutierrez insists he has “several alternatives” to stay on the F1 grid next season following Sauber’s confirmation that Felipe Nasr will partner Marcus Ericsson in 2015.

The Mexican driver took to Twitter following the Swiss team’s announcement of Nasr’s arrival on Wednesday night. “I’d like to thank each and every member of Team Sauber for all the time we worked together,” Gutierrez’s statement read. “I wish them the best of success.

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“Unfortunately, after long talks and negotiations, we were not able to reach an agreement; at the same time we have and are still working on several alternatives with the intention to remain in Formula One.

“I deeply thank all my work team, my sponsors and fans for their support throughout my career; we will continue working as a team to find the best way to go.”

Looking at how the 2015 grid is shaping up, it appears his best chance of securing a race seat depends on the survival of the Caterham and Marussia teams.

Although both are currently in administration, it is hoped they can find new buyers and perhaps even return for this season’s final race in Abu Dhabi. Both have submitted entries for 2015.

Also in Gutierrez’s favour is the re-appearance of Mexico on next year’s calendar for the first time in 23 years.

Countryman Sergio Perez has yet to be confirmed by Force India but indications suggest that he’ll be retained alongside Nico Hulkenberg.

The 2015 grid so far:

MERCEDES
Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg

RED BULL
Daniel Ricciardo and Daniil Kvyat

FERRARI
TBC

WILLIAMS
Valtteri Bottas and Felipe Massa

McLAREN
TBC

FORCE INDIA
Nico Hulkenberg and TBC

TORO ROSSO
Max Verstappen and TBC

LOTUS
Pastor Maldonado and TBC

SAUBER
Marcus Ericsson and Felipe Nasr

MARUSSIA (ENTERED AS MANOR F1 TEAM)
TBC

CATERHAM
TBC