Paul di Resta was in talks with McLaren to replace Lewis Hamilton
The Scotsman revealed at the Autosport International show that he was in talks with McLaren to replace Lewis Hamilton before the British team ultimately chose Sergio Pérez. Di Resta, however, believes he maintains good relationships in the paddock that may open other doors for him in the future.
Author of promising starts in Formula 1, Paul di Resta long appeared to be a contender for replacing Michael Schumacher at Mercedes, at least until the possibility emerged of Lewis Hamilton succeeding the seven-time German world champion.
Cited, like nearly half of the 2012 lineup, as a potential replacement for Felipe Massa at Ferrari, the Scotsman was also among the possible candidates for a seat at McLaren. Indeed, after severing ties with Anthony Hamilton, Paul di Resta entrusted his interests to Sports Partnership, the management company created by Richard Goddard and James Williamson, with the help of Jenson Button.
If McLaren has finally set its sights on Sergio Pérez, Paul di Resta revealed at the Autosport International show that there have been discussions with the British team, even though he wishes not to say too much: I have very good relations with McLaren. Martin Whitmarsh was actually one of the key people who proposed my name for Force India and I have also been part of Mercedes-Benz for many years. Our paths could cross. It might be that I will be in the car that beats them […] but if I have to work with them, they are professionals and they win races: that’s why I am in this sport.
If he does not say more about the progress of his discussions with the men from Woking, he nevertheless believes that the involvement of Telmex, financial supporter of Sergio Pérez, tipped the scales in favor of the Mexican: « Unfortunately, nowadays in this sport, it takes a little more. There is a commercial aspect and money is restricted. Pérez has some good support. »
The native of Uphall is aware of the task that would have awaited him at McLaren and that consequently awaits Sergio Pérez: « He must be performant. Jenson [Button] obviously will not make it easy for him. Jenson is probably at his peak. » But for Paul di Resta, the Guadalajara native will mainly have to convince his team and be wary of any potential return ambitions from Lewis Hamilton: « Lewis might not appreciate the way Mercedes operates. Everything can change very quickly. The most important thing is to have results and ensure to stay in the minds of team bosses. »
The Scotsman, who will be competing in his third season as a main driver for Force India, will aim to convince the team’s bosses with the hope of getting another opportunity to join a better-placed team in 2014: « Having good relations with [the team bosses] is key and that’s the case for me in the paddock: I haven’t fallen out with anyone. Without having to beg for a job, you still need to be in front of them at the right time. »
