Kamui Kobayashi says he needs to secure sponsorship in order to remain in F1 as this has become a part of racing for the smaller teams.
The Sauber driver has yet to be confirmed for next season with several reports claiming he is in fact on his way out.
However, Kobayashi, who claimed his first F1 podium at his home race in Japan, believes he can hold onto his race-seat if he secures financial backing for next season.
"After I came back after Suzuka and Korea I wanted to celebrate, but there was no time to celebrate. I had to work to get a sponsor," Kobayashi told Autosport.
"It's not something we wanted after Suzuka, but this is the situation.
"Normally for a top team it doesn't matter as they have a big budget, but for the lesser teams they need some budget because it's a different system. This is what I have to understand."
The Japanese driver, though, concedes there is more to just the funds, there's also a need for on-track success.
"We need to fight for more Championship points and this is key. At the moment I think I need to focus more on this season and then we'll see."
