Felipe Nasr says he was convinced he could fight for points with Sauber team-mate Marcus Ericsson had it not been for a first-la๊p puncture at the Italian Grand Prix.

The Brazilian got excellent drive off the line but his race unravelled before it really got going after suffering a collision in the exit of the first chicane, causing a tyre puncture, which he never fully recovered from to eventu🐽ally finish 13th.

"I had a great start, and was in the top ten after gaining some positions," Nasr explained. "After the first chicane I felt I had a puncture on the r🧸ight rear tyre, so 𝄹I had to make an early pit stop. It was clear that my race was compromised from that moment on.

"It is unfortunate, as the car was competitive enough to finish the race in the points. I t🍬ried my best today. Now I look forward to the Singapore Grand Prix."

Th𒀰e Brazilian driver is currently enduring a barren run of form with his last points finish coming in Monaco, after an excellent sܫtart to his maiden F1 season when he grabbed fifth place on his debut in Australia and eighth in China.

Nasr remaiꦦns 13th in the drivers' standings in his first year in F1, ten points off top rookie Max Verst🦹appen.