AMSTERDAM, Netherlands (AP) -- Spyker has fired its Formula One driver Christijan Albers.

The team said the decision was made because of "commercial difficulties" after one of the driver's personal sponsors failed to come up with promised money.

No replacement was immediately announced.

Albers' future with the team was called into question by media after he drove out of the pits at the French Grand Prix on July 1 with a fuel hose still attached to his car, forcing him to retire from the race.

However, Spyker said Albers' driving was not the problem.

"We would ... like to stress this decision has nothing to do with Christijan's recent performances," said the team's Formula One director Michiel Mol. "We still have faith in his contribution as a driver -- but the long-term future of the team is of paramount importance."

Spyker has yet to win a point in the driver or constructor standings after nine of the season's 17 races.

Albers' best finishes were 14th place in the Bahrain and Spanish races. He has failed to finish in four races.

Team principal Colin Kolles said the decision to end Albers' contract was difficult.

"Christijan has started to find some form in the car, but the team's ambitious development program has been seriously compromised by nonpayment by one of his sponsors and we are faced with no other option," he said.