Perez’s ’money’ powered McLaren move - di Resta

Considerations about "money" played a role in McLaren choosing Sergio Perez.

That is the claim of Paul di Resta, the Force India driver who admits to having talks with McLaren when the British team was deciding Lewis Hamilton’s 2013 replacement.

"I’m not going to give away too much, but yes, there were discussions," 26-year-old Scot di Resta, who is staying at Force India for a third consecutive season this year, said.

"Unfortunately in this sport now there’s a little bit more to it. There’s a commercial side and money’s tight. Perez has some good backing," he is quoted by the Daily Mail.

Di Resta is undoubtedly referring to Perez’s former backing by Carlos Slim’s Mexican telco Telmex, the company that while staying at Sauber this year has been linked with a future tie-up with McLaren.

"I’ve got a great relationship with McLaren," di Resta said.

"Martin Whitmarsh was actually the key person who put my name forward for Force India, and also I’ve been part of Mercedes-Benz for a lot of years.

"Our paths may cross," he said at the Autosport International show in Birmingham.