Speculation linking Paul di Resta to Mercedes hasn’t gone unnoticed by the Force India driver, but he says he’s just taking it “day by day.”
The Scotsman joined the Silverstone based outfit at the start of the 2011 season after taking the DTM title. So far, he has taken two points from two races, narrowly missing out on another in China by a single place.
His more experienced team-mate, Adrian Sutil, is just ahead after a ninth place finish in Australia, though they share the same points total, putting them 13th and 14th in the championship respectively.
His performances have led to Mercedes motorsport boss Norbert Haug heaping praise on the 25-year-old, describing him as ‘exceptional’ and ‘remarkable’.
Di Resta says the attention is great, but he’s concentrating on delivering for Force India.
“Obviously I am close to Mercedes,” he told the Telegraph. “They have had a huge influence on my career and I’m very grateful to them.
“It is great that people are talking [about me joining Mercedes] but at the same time I have got to keep progressing.
“Force India have given me a great opportunity and delivered what they said they would. Hopefully I am delivering what they hoped I would deliver for the team,” he added.
“I never take anything for granted, it is important to have ambitions, of course, but I try just to stay focused on each individual thing and not worry too much about the future. Take it day by day.”
His manager, Anthony Hamilton, father to Lewis, isn’t getting ahead himself, but admitted an interest was there.
“I would like to think there is an interest,” he said. “We’ve not spoken to anyone but for sure Paul is a Mercedes protégé and Norbert has said some very complimentary things about him. I’m just really proud of him.
“He has made a fantastic start and more importantly he has done it in the right way. He has not over-driven; he has brought the car home every time and delivered points.
“Certainly he will make a great replacement for someone at a top team.”
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