Force India's Paul di Resta says he faces "a crucial decision" with regard to his future over the next month - and that the picture emerging for 2013 is "confusing".
Managerless Scot 'confused' by 2013 driver market
Force India's Paul di Resta says he faces "a crucial decision" with regard to his future over the next few weeks - and that the picture emerging for 2013 is "confusing".
Prior to the British GP, it was announced that Di Resta - repeatedly mooted as a potential driver for Mercedes, McLaren or Ferrari next season - has split from his manager, Anthony Hamilton. The Scot is now taking advice from Jenson Button's long-term manager Richard Goddard and his assistant James Williamson at what he accepts is a critical moment in his F1 career.
"I appreciate I face a crucial decision. I need to decide pretty quickly what way I want to go," Di Resta said.
"At the end of the day it's the results I need to concentrate on because the biggest thing for me is making sure I'm in a Formula One car for next year.
"Right now I'm with Force India doing the best job possible for them, and they're trying to get the best results for me. I'm just trying to secure a drive for the future."
Pressed on the reasons behind his split from Hamilton, Di Resta added: "It's all just happened. It's pretty raw, and I'm dealing with it when I've got time.
"Of course, we've two big weekends before the August break, and I believe that is the time to make sure you are putting yourself in the right places and making sure you know what you are doing."
Yet while Di Resta knows he faces a crucial decision, it remains to be seen how many options present themselves over the next few weeks with Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher holding the key to whether vacancies appear at McLaren and Mercedes respectively. And neither driver is yet to make clear their intentions.
"I honestly don't know where things are. It's fairly confusing what is going on at the moment, even with Lewis and what he is doing. I don't think anybody has a true indication of what he is doing, or what direction he is going."
Di Resta has also been identified as a potential replacement for Felipe Massa if Ferrari opt to dispense with the Brazilian's services at the end of the season - and Di Resta is making no secret that he would leap at such an opportunity.
"Anybody would like to drive for Ferrari at some point in their life, given what they represent in F1, what they've achieved and what they mean to the motor industry," confirmed the Scot.
"Obviously there is also Mercedes. I've been part of that family for a long time. But I've always said I just want to be winning races, championships, which is the important thing.
"Getting myself into that position, whether it's here or somewhere else, that's the ultimate goal."
