Bernie Ecclestone has admitted that he is not sure if Formula 1 will have a Brazilian driver on the grid next year.

It is reported that, to safeguard the important Brazilian television market, the F1 supremo has been actively campaigning for Sauber's Nasr to find a 2017 seat.

Yet with Felipe Massa retiring, it is a real possibility there will be no Brazilians on the grid.

When asked about that, Ecclestone told Brazil's Globo: "At this moment I can't say."

Asked if Nasr at least has a chance to stay, the 86-year-old added: "I hope so, I really want to see him on the grid in 2017."

As for whether he has actively campaigned on Nasr's behalf, Ecclestone confirmed: "Yes, and I will continue to help, but I do not have the ability to impose a driver on a team."

The 2016 championship concludes with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on November 27.