Marcus Ericsson wanted to continue as a Sauber race driver next year but says he understands the team's decision to replace him with Kimi Raikkonen.
Ericsson is due to take on a reserve driver and brand ambassador role next year after Sauber confirmed Antonio Giovinazzi would partner Kimi Raikkonen at the team next season. Now in his fifth consecutive season in F1, Ericsson said he would have loved to continue but understands the team's decision to sign Raikkonen.
"I am thankful for the past five years of my career which I have spent racing in Formula One," he said.