The Brazilian admits that confirmation of the loss of the multi-million dollar backing has made his job a lot harder, despite his ninth-place finish at Interlagos providing Sauber with a huge financial boost.

“It doesn’t help, but I cannot change it now,” Nasr told Motorsport.com. “We have to work on a solution. But we know how time is crucial in F1.

"My priority is to stick here [at Sauber] if we can, so let’s work on it. Now that the championship is over, we can put our focus on that.

“Money still talks over talent. As I said, we’re still working on a solution, we’re still working on things that we can do from our side, and as long as there is still energy and the will to be here. We’ll try anything.”

Asked if Sauber boss Monisha Kaltenborn was leaving the door open while he tried to put a deal together, he said: “I don’t know. You should ask her.

"All I can say is I gave the team those two points. It’s the best sponsorship you can think of.”

Nasr however did not rule out a future at Manor, the only other team with seats open for 2017.

“I really have to put things on the table," he added. "I’m not closing the door to anyone right now. I’m really looking at the options and analysing them to see what is best for my future.”