Nasr hits out at critics

Brazilian racer Felipe Nasr has labelled the critics who call him a pay-driver as “stupid”.

Pay-drivers are often criticised by fans as the suspicion remains that they are handed an F1 drive because of the financial muscle they bring with them, as opposed to talent.

Nasr is affiliate with Banco do Brasil and has reportedly bought £12m to Sauber’s budget. However, he has impressed so far, and is adamant that he is good enough for the grid.

He told Sky Sports: “I think it is quite stupid that people think that way. It is really a short way of thinking because I think more countries follow this example of supporting their own drivers.

“I have been together with Banco do Brasil for the last four or five years, we had a project on my career and we went through every step and I am glad to say I have never had to pay to race.

“When I was 16 I had offers from Red Bull, from Gravity, from other junior programmes, but I chose to go with Steve Robertson and I am still working with him nowadays.

“By the age of 16 I had my own car, my own salary, my own house, I didn’t have to pay for any championship I participated in.

“I think more people should follow this example and have these kind of companies supporting their own drivers. I think people are just interpreting it in the wrong way.”

Nast finished 11^th in the Austrian Grand Prix.

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