Paul di Resta is hopeful a solid stand-in performance for Williams at last month’s Hungarian Grand Prix will put him back on the “radar” as he eyes a shock return to Formula 1.
Di Resta was forced to deputise for an unwell Felipe Massa at the Hungaroring and, even with no experience behind the wheel of the 2017 cars, out-paced Sauber’s Marcus Ericsson in qualifying.
The Scot was forced to retire from the race but the team and many in the paddock were left mightily impressed by his composure and adaptability.
Di Resta, who lost his Force India seat at the end of the 2013 season, remains grounded but is hopeful that his display reminded the team of his ability.
“I’d love to get back on the radar, but I don’t stand at the top of the meetings,” he said. “It’s up to people to make the decision. I can’t convince them, I can only show people what I can do. I hope [in Hungary] people appreciated what I’ve done. I was doing the most professional job I could.
“It’s up to people to make the decision. I can’t convince them, I can only show people what I can do. I hope [in Hungary] people appreciated what I’ve done. I was doing the most professional job I could.
“I know I’ve got the weight of the team on top of me as well to carry that. You never know if you’re going to be required again later in the year should something happen again. I really don’t know. It’s an interesting time, the market, going into the summer break. There’s me thinking my summer holiday was starting a bit earlier.”
“I really don’t know. It’s an interesting time, the market, going into the summer break. There’s me thinking my summer holiday was starting a bit earlier.”
The 31-year-old did, however, confess that his age could be a barrier preventing a potential comeback.
“I think it’s easier if you’re a young driver because you get the opportunities,” he admitted. “I’ve just turned 31. There’s a little bit of life still in me. The dream could still be there getting back in the car if the right thing happened. The most important thing is the team being able to rely on me to do a solid job this weekend.”
“The dream could still be there getting back in the car if the right thing happened. The most important thing is the team being able to rely on me to do a solid job this weekend.”
As it stands, Williams look set to retain Massa, who came out of retirement following Valtteri Bottas’ move to Mercedes, and Lance Stroll for the 2018 season.
