Di Resta had talks with McLaren for 2013

Paul di Resta has revealed that he was a candidate to replace Lewis Hamilton at McLaren for 2013, admitting he and the team had discussions.

The Woking outfit eventually signed Sergio Perez on a multi-year deal, leaving the Scot to remain a Force India driver for now.

“I’m not going to give away too much, but yes, there were discussions,” he said addressing the crowd at Autosport International.

“I’ve got a great relationship with McLaren. 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.

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“Our paths may cross. It may be in a car that’s beating them and I’ll have the last laugh. But if I’ve got to work with them, they’re professional people and they win races, and that’s what I’m in the sport to do.”

Di Resta believes Perez was chosen over himself as he offered a better sponsorship deal thanks to his Telmex backing – though it isn’t certain if the telecommunications company is bringing anything to McLaren after they opted to remain a Sauber sponsor.

“Unfortunately in this sport now there’s a little bit more to it,” he added. “There’s a commercial side and money’s tight. Pérez has some good backing.

“He’s up against a big task. He’s got to perform. Jenson [Button’s] obviously not going to give him an easy time. Jenson is probably at his peak.”