Marcus Ericsson looks set to remain at Sauber for the 2017 Formula One season despite holding talks with various other teams throughout the paddock.
Ericsson revealed last month he was in talks with Williams, Renault, Force India and Manor over a potential drive in 2017.
But with Williams set to announce Lance Stroll as Valtteri Bottas’s teammate for next season and Sergio Perez committing his future to Force India, the Swede’s options are looking limited.
During Ericsson’s discussions elsewhere Sauber was bought out by Longbow Finance SA. A move that has secured the team’s long-term future and should ensure they are competitive in the seasons to come something they have failed to be since the introduction of hybrid power units in 2014.
Therefore, while these moves by Williams and Force India may have put an end to Ericsson’s hopes of a new seat, he may actually find himself in a far better position staying at Sauber.
“To be honest it’s looking more likely I’m staying in Sauber,” Ericson told Autosport in Japan.
“I’ve been here almost two seasons and I like it here. Now it’s looking a lot better in the team as well, it’s moving in the right direction, so for me, it’s a lot more attractive to try and stay here.
“We need to wait a bit more before I know for sure, but it’s looking more likely now.”
Ericsson wants to be in a car that can regularly battle for points if he is to move up the pecking order and earn himself a drive with a top team. Force India and Williams would have provided him with this and now it looks like Sauber could also do this.
Since the takeover, the Swiss outfit has moved to secure some of the most experienced and highly rated staff to take them to the next level. They have acquired experienced engineers in Nicolas Hennel de Beaupreau as the new head of aerodynamics and Xevi Pujolar from Toro Rosso as the new head of track engineering.
They also secured the services of former Ferrari and Haas strategist Ruth Buscombe, who was critical in Haas securing back to back points finishes in their first two Formula One races.
“I’ve been almost three seasons in F1 now; I need to be in a package where I can really show what I can do, to be able to then move up to the top,” Ericsson said.
“I cannot afford to be running at the back another year. I need to be in a midfield team next year, so I can consistently be in the top 10 and really show my ability as a driver.
“I feel I’ve really developed and grown, and I really want to show that to everyone.”
