Pascal Wehrlein has not denied that he is now in the running to switch to Sauber for 2017.

With Felipe Nasr reportedly having sponsor trouble, it is reported the Mercedes-backed Wehrlein could be a contender to replace him at Sauber.

German Wehrlein, 22, admitted that he was disappointed to be overlooked for the more competitive Force India seat that went to his fellow Mercedes junior Esteban Ocon.

"It's written in the press that I am very upset and want explanations from Force India, but it's untrue," Wehrlein is quoted as saying by Germany's motorsport-magazin.com.

"The only thing I said is that I wanted to know why they didn't take me. That's all."

As for the new Sauber rumours, he insisted: "I don't know about that.

"Mercedes negotiate on my behalf. What is true is that there is one empty seat at Sauber and one at Manor."

When asked if he is confident that he will be on the grid in 2017, Wehrlein added: "It does not depend on me."

The 2016 championship concludes next weekend in Abu Dhabi.