Paul di Resta knew his unexpected F1 comeback would likely pose a physical challenge, he just didn't expect it to involve his feet!

The Williams substitute, who filled in for an unwell Felipe Massa at the Hungarian GP, acquitted himself well following Saturday's last minute call.

Di Resta felt he could handle the procedures but admitted the race on the twisty Hungaroring layout, and behind the wheel of the faster new-spec car, could throw a physical challenge his way.

If he indeed felt some pain in the upper part of his body at the end of the day, the biggest sting was felt in his feet! 

"It's been quite hard," said di Resta after the race.

"I can certainly feel it in my shoulders, but the biggest thing is the feet. The shoes are a bit too small. My feet were killing me."

A leak prevented the Scot from reaching the checkered flag, but the 31-year-old's performance did not go unnoticed, and he is hoping his one-off drive will lead to a more permanent opportunity. 

"There's no secret I want to be in a Formula 1 car, but at the very least I hope I've showed I'm a reliable reserve driver kicking around the paddock.

"I tried to approach it in the most professional way I could and gain a lot [of experience] rather than throw away something that wasn't there [in terms of a potential result]."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

 

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

Recent Posts

Antonelli awarded Bandini Trophy, addresses Ferrari speculation

Kimi Antonelli attracts attention wherever he goes in Formula 1, but this week it was…

2 hours ago

Russell’s perfect antidote to Montreal misfortune

They say that when one door closes, a window opens – or in George Russell’s…

4 hours ago

Lauda makes it four out of six in the Principality

On this day in 1976, Niki Lauda's charge to the world championship title continued unabated…

5 hours ago

Bearman draws ‘sense of belief’ from Antonelli-Russell F1 title fight

The Formula 1 paddock has a habit of turning yesterday’s junior rivalries into today’s front-line…

5 hours ago

Sainz 'stops complaining', reluctantly accepts F1's new era

Carlos Sainz is waving the white flag in Formula 1’s ongoing rules debate, but not…

7 hours ago

Croft: Mercedes should ‘stay away’ from Russell-Antonelli battle

Mercedes is sitting on Formula 1’s most enviable problem – and Sky Sports F1 commentator…

8 hours ago