The 2014 Formula One season has been a struggle for second-year driver Esteban Gutierrez, securing no points thus far with only three races remaining with the Sauber F1 Team. The young Mexican driver showed flashes of brilliance during his rookie campaign in 2013, including a career-best finish of seventh at Suzuka, but a combination of factors have pushed the Swiss-based team further down the grid. A new car, less resources, and a lack of funding compared to its rivals, have the once promising program fighting to stay ahead of traditional back-marker teams Caterham and Marussia.

Struggling mightily

Between Gutierrez and teammate Adrian Sutil, the duo have combined for 13 retirements this season. Neither driver has scored a point this season in the Sauber C33, leaving team boss Monisha Kaltenborn possibly on the hot seat herself, and left to decide what to do about its driver lineup entering 2015. If Sauber does decide to let Gutierrez go, they will lose a driver that has been a part of its program since 2010.

Gutierrez wants to remain with Sauber

The 2010 GP3 champion talked briefly about possibly returning to Sauber in 2015 amid uncertainty.

“My priority is to be with them, it’s important to see if we can get together in some way, achieve some better seasons together. I definitely also want to be in a good car, there’s no question about it. We are working with every opportunity we have at the moment, but always keeping the goal to be with Sauber. We have been working together quite a while now, growing together, I’ve been growing with them, so I think we can see something in the future together and I’m quite confident about it.”

Joey Barnes is the co-founder of Tribute Racing and a contributor to Motorsport.com