Paul di Resta will compete for Williams across the remainder of the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend after Felipe Massa was unable to recover from illness.
Di Resta was placed on standby on Saturday morning after Massa complained of feeling unwell during Friday’s second practice session at the Hungaroring.
Massa visited the medical centre and MH EK Honvedkorkaz hospital for further checks as a precaution, and was cleared to drive in FP3 by Formula 1’s Medical Delegate.
However, Massa completed only 12 laps before bringing his session to an early halt, with TV footage showing di Resta heading to the Williams engineering room, as tweaks were undertaken on the FW40, ostensibly to accommodate di Resta’s taller frame.
During the lunch break, Williams confirmed that Massa felt unwell again during the third practice session and has withdrawn from the weekend’s action and will be replaced by di Resta.
'Williams supports Felipe’s decision and the team will work with him to ensure he makes a full recovery, with a view to return to the race track for the Belgian Grand Prix,' read a short statement.
Di Resta joined Williams as its reserve driver in 2016 and raced in Formula 1 for Force India between 2011 and 2013.
The Briton has since competed for Mercedes in DTM, and claimed the title in 2010, prior to his Formula 1 graduation.
Di Resta also holds a pundit/commentator role with Sky Sports F1, and was scheduled to fill in for the absent Martin Brundle with the broadcaster this weekend.
It will be the first time in 40 years that a Formula 1 race has not featured a Brazilian driver.
