- Sauber
Nasr wanted to stay at Williams in 2015
Felipe Nasr says he wanted to stay at Williams in 2015 but felt a full-time drive further down the grid at Sauber was the best option in the fast-moving world of Formula One.
Nasr was reserve driver for Williams and took part in Friday practice sessions in 2014 as well as enjoying a breakout GP2 campaign which saw him take his first series victory and remain in title contention until the penultimate round. A full-time drive at Williams was not an option and he was announced as a surprise Sauber signing in November, something he says was too good an opportunity to turn down.
"Of course I wanted to stay [at Williams]," Nasr told the official Formula One website. "But they have their commitment with Felipe [Massa] and Valtteri [Bottas] so I had to move on. I could not lose the momentum - I had to make the next step. Here things change very quickly so you better also move fast. One year of full racing is far better than a test role, sitting mostly at the sidelines."
Nasr understands F1 is a cut-throat environment for new drivers and knows he may be judged quickly with plenty of young talent waiting in the wings.
"[2015] depends a lot on the team - how the team is going to be next year. They had a difficult season so I think we have a lot of work to do, and of course I want to deliver. I know that so many young drivers are craving to make that step, so you better make the best of it - and enjoy the moment."
His Banco do Brasil funding was a factor in securing the drive and Nasr thinks financial backing is the only way talented drivers can make it to F1.
"Yes, it is important to have backers. Nowadays it is not only about talent - sure you need to have talent, but you also have to have support. And only if the two come together does it has the potential to bloom."
© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
