McLaren also considered Force India drivers - Whitmarsh
Photo by: XPB Images
Oct.5 (GMM) McLaren also considered Paul di Resta and Nico Hulkenberg for the departing Lewis Hamilton's 2013 seat, team boss Martin Whitmarsh admitted on Friday.
He told British broadcaster Sky at Suzuka that, before signing Mexican Sergio Perez, the great British team looked closely at Force India's current lineup.
"Well I think (McLaren considered) Paul Di Resta, Nico Hulkenberg -- there are no real surprises there," Whitmarsh told former McLaren driver turned commentator Martin Brundle.
"They are both under contract, but both are undoubtedly available to us and I think they are both are very good drivers."
He said it was a "very close decision" to sign Perez over Scot di Resta and German Hulkenberg, who are both still linked with Felipe Massa's Ferrari seat.
"I think what we have with Sergio is someone who is perhaps less developed but has masses of talent, who doesn't make mistakes and is a very good racer," Whitmarsh explained.
"We were looking at potential and I think what we were trying to do was pick someone who was going to progress beyond where they are now. We think he will, but we don't know."
Be part of Motorsport community
Join the conversationShare Or Save This Story
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments