Mexican Gutierrez stays on as Sauber F1 driver

Sauber driver Esteban Gutierrez of Mexico leaves the pits after the first free practice at the Interlagos race track in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Friday, Nov. 22, 2013. The Brazilian Formula One Grand Prix will take place on Sunday. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)

Mexican Esteban Gutierrez will stay on as Sauber driver in the 2014 Formula One season, the Swiss team said Saturday.

Gutierrez, 22, was chosen ahead of Russian Sergei Sirotkin, who will act as test driver. Gutierrez finished 16th in the past season which was his first in the sport.

“I am happy to be able to continue as a driver for the Sauber F1 team. It was a steep learning curve last season, but by working closely with the team I was able to improve continuously ... I feel comfortable in taking the next step,” Gutierrez said.

Team principal Monisha Kaltenborn named Gutierrez “a talented young racing driver” who improved steadily during the 2013 campaign.

Sauber were seventh in the 2013 constructors’ standings. Their other driver next season is German Adrian Sutil in a move from Force India.