Ericsson: "No bad thing" to stay at Sauber in 2017

The Swiss squad has endured a difficult season so far, lacking performance due to a lack of development and surrounded by speculation about its future as it has struggled financially.

Team boss Monisha Kaltenborn has said a solution is in the pipeline, although she admitted there is no timeline for it yet.

Ericsson, who has been with the team since the start of the 2015 season, admitted his future is still up in the air, but didn't rule out staying at Sauber if its situation improves.

"It depends on what happens up the grid, we have to see what happens," Ericsson told Motorsport.com. "I think Sauber, the team itself, has the potential to be really good if it has the budget to develop the car.

"The facilities in Hinwil are fantastic. If they get a better financial situation I don't think it's a bad thing if I can stay here. But we have to wait and see."

Despite the difficult situation Sauber has been in, Ericsson believes he has performed strongly this year, showing he deserves to be in F1.

"It's been so hectic with races I haven't been thinking a lot about next year yet," he added. "We'll see.

"I'm happy with my performance this year. I've taken steps in the right direction and show that I belong in Formula 1.

"I need to keep doing that and try to improve even more and then see what happens.

"I'm really happy at Sauber, but of course you want to be in a competitive car. Hopefully sooner rather than later I will know what I'm doing for next year."

Interview by Oleg Karpov