Nasr and Sauber heading for split

Felipe Nasr has played down suggestions he will definitely leave Sauber at the end of the season, but his relationships with his teammate and the team principal are increasingly strained.

Speculation persists not only about Nasr's relationship with Ericsson which at low point following their crash and team orders controversy in Monaco, but also that there is also tension between him and team boss Monisha Kaltenborn.

As the Swiss team flounders beneath obvious financial strain, and Nasr's relationship with teammate Marcus Ericsson hits rock bottom, recent reports suggested the Brazilian intends to take his sponsor Banco do Brazil elsewhere for 2017.

But Nasr has now told Brazil's UOL Esporte that he does not rule out staying at Sauber.

"My first choice is still here (Sauber), of course," said the 23-year-old. "It is the team with which I have a contract until the end of the year. I have to put my options on the table and see what is possible, but I cannot rule out Sauber."

Nasr admitted he has "more than one option" for 2017.