Gutierrez confident of F1 stay

Currently without a drive in Formula 1, former Haas employee Esteban Gutierrez is confident that he will stay in the sport.

The Mexican suffered an underwhelming season with Haas in 2016 after failing to score any points throughout the season.

However, the 25-year-old believes in his abilities as a racing driver and said he wouldn’t be in Formula 1 if he felt he didn’t have the pace or skill to be successful.

He also added that although he didn’t do as well as he would have liked to, he reckons his qualifying speed compared to his former teammate Romain Grosjean was promising.

“I hope a lot of people are aware of that,” said Gutierrez, who will be replaced by Kevin Magnussen.

“Yes, I have been very close and am aware of what I have been doing.

“Honesty, if I didn’t have the speed or talent or feel capable to do it I wouldn’t be trying to do it in F1.

"I know what I have and what is my speed and I am honest with myself as you have to be in life when doing your best. You push with that.

“I want to drive, this is what I like, I think I have the speed and can challenge. The situation has done a lot in the wrong direction for my career is some ways but I do not blame anyone I take responsibility for my own situation and I am working very hard for the best package for my future career.”