Mallya: Force India needed new drivers

Force India will field a new crew next year with Nico Hulkenberg back alongside Sergio Pérez thanked from home McLaren. The Mexican did not succeed in convincing enough within the Woking team, but his financial support undoubtedly played an important role in the negotiations with Vijay Mallya at a time when the teams still need to get a little more hands-on. wallet with the new regulations. “Paul did nothing wrong.”, assured the owner of the Indian team. “I like him, he’s a good friend and I hope he stays but every team has to move forward. We gave him a great opportunity and he gave a lot. I'm sorry if the British fans are disappointed, but that shouldn't influence the final choice. With all the team members, we felt that perhaps a new crew would be more suitable with the new car and the new challenges. »

Paul di Resta therefore finds himself without a steering wheel for the next year as the grid for the 2014 season is finalized. The Scotsman is now expected to IndyCar, where he could possibly replace his cousin Dario Franchitti, or in DTM after winning there in 2010. As for his former teammate Adrian Sutil, the German's future would lie with Sauber alongside Esteban Gutiérrez. “I could have kept these drivers but we already had a long relationship with both. Adrian Sutil had a break of a year before coming back to see us. I consulted the members of my team and they all told me that we needed pilots with the rage to win. Sergio (Pérez) seems to fit the profile and the combination of Checo and Nico works wonderfully for me. »