Sauber has announced that it has retained both Marcus Ericsson and Felipe Nasr for next season.

Whilst the decision to retain the Swede isn't too big a surprise, many thought that teammate Nasr might be on the 'want' lists of several bigger teams, ahead of what many believe could be a highly active driver market over the summer.

Whilst most attention is focussed on Ferrari, to whom Valtteri Bottas and Nico Hulkenberg are linked, there are also question marks over the future of Jenson Button, and without doubt Nasr is considered one of the true finds of 2016.

"I'm very happy that the Team has put its trust in my potential for another year," said Ericsson. "Up to now I have some good memories of my first year with the long-standing Swiss team. I had a great start from the very beginning, and it is worth mentioning my first points in Formula One that I scored right away during the season-opener. I am getting to know everyone within the team more and more, and feel I am being appreciated as a valuable driver. I feel honoured to be part of the Sauber Motorsport family, and I will continue to do my very best to succeed."

"It is great to be driving another season for the Team," added Nasr. "The extension to the contract with the Sauber F1 Team is an important step in my career. During the first half of the season, in what is my rookie year, I was able to gain a lot of experience from a driving perspective as well as on the personal side. Finishing fifth at my first ever Formula One race in Melbourne in the Australian Grand Prix is so far my career highlight. Now I am looking forward to the second half of the season. My objective is to support the team as best I can, and also with regard to the development of the new car."

"We are pleased about the extension of the contracts with Marcus and Felipe," said Monisha Kaltenborn. "This early point in time shows that the drivers and the team are sure they are heading in the right direction. We have full confidence in the talents and skills of Marcus and Felipe. Both have shown solid performances, gained experience and learnt quickly. We enjoy having them in the team and they give it a positive boost. Despite their young ages, they work very professionally - on as well as off the track. Marcus and Felipe are already involved in a very dedicated way with the development of next year's Sauber C35."

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