Esteban Gutierrez says a deal to secure his future in Formula One has become complicated, but remains confident that the people making the decisions are aware of his value.

Throughout 2016 the Mexican driver has remained confident he will be on the grid next year, but as yet no deal has been confirmed. His current team Haas is still the obvious choice, but the American outfit has dropped very few hints about Gutierrez's future in recent weeks.

Asked why an announcement is taking so long, Gutierrez said: "How can I put it in just a few words? It's a matter of coordination basically.

"It's very simple, very straightforward, but something very simple is made very complicated so it takes time. Very often as humans we are that way, when life is so simple and straightforward it's complicated.

"We complicate ourselves but now we are focusing on simplifying it and that's what takes a bit of time. There are so many parties involved that need to be on the same line, it takes a bit of time."

Despite scoring five 11th-place finishes, Gutierrez's first point of 2016 remains elusive. But he is confident the decision makers at Haas understand the reasons behind his struggle for points this year.

"Yes and I am actually surprised how much they are supporting, it's very positive. When you make a big effort and you see that people realise about it, you perform and they see how you are performing, and they also consider that I didn't have the opportunities.

"Obviously it's also frustrating for them because they want me to be successful, they want me to do good results but they are there behind [me]. We are talking about the guys who are making the big decisions, the very important people, who are very important for my future so it's fantastic."